A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bob was known to all as a steady, warm presence, always ready to listen, offer gentle wisdom, and share a laugh.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela (Nelson); his children, Meghan (Kyle Dean) and Brady (Joni); and his four grandchildren, Jaden (23), Tyler (20), Vivienne (18), and Leila (9), who were among the greatest joys of his life. He is also lovingly survived by his stepchildren and their families: Aimee (Paul Hague), daughters Sophia Healy (26) and Scarlett Harenburg (16); Cara (Billy Knierim) and their children Cade (22), Colette (19), and Nicole (partner Nick Wronkiewicz); daughter, Reese Harwood (17); Angela (Brian Cartledge) and their children Brynn, Charlie, and Henry (12); and Heather (Andy Schmitt) and their daughter Ellie (16), along with Wesley Dunn (Elizabeth) and their children Peyton (21), Caroline (19), and Madeline (16).
Born and raised in Garden Plain, Illinois, Bob attended Iowa State University before earning his dental degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago Dental School. He built a distinguished 40-year career as a pediatric dentist at Grove Dental Associates in Bolingbrook and Wheaton, where he was known simply and affectionately as “Dr. Bob,” a man whose passion for children and families was evident in everything he did. Bob lived with intention and joy.
He was sober for nearly 38 years and found deep meaning in the spirituality and community of Alcoholics Anonymous. He loved birding, gardening, stained glass, fishing, and visiting family and friends near and far. His most cherished moments were the quiet ones: teaching his grandchildren to fish in the creek, driving them around on his lawn mower, and introducing them to the names of birds and flowers.
Bob moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2021, where he spent his final years in warmth and peace. He believed fully and simply that “Life is Good,” and that outlook touched every person fortunate enough to know him. He lived with peace, love, and joy, always striving for spiritual growth for himself and for all those he loved.
A small gathering will be held at Garden Plain Cemetery, 6510 Garden Plain Rd., Fulton, IL on Sunday, April 26th at 10:30 a.m.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bob, please visit the floral store.
