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Robert Quinn Obituary
Born: July 15, 1950; in Cortland, IL
Died: March 28, 2015; in Peoria, AZ
Robert A. Quinn died in his home in Peoria, Arizona on March 28, 2015. He was 64 years old.
Bob was born on July 15, 1950 in Cortland, Illinois, to his parents, Willard and Ethel Quinn. He grew up in Sycamore, with his twin sister, Ruth Ann; and his older brother, Ralph.
Bob was an exceptional athlete at Sycamore High School, earning varsity letters in football, baseball, and basketball, though football became his focus. As quarterback, he earned High School All-American honors in 1967 and accepted a full football scholarship to the University of Illinois.
He graduated with a B.S. in Education from the University of Illinois and a M.S. in Education from Northern Illinois University. Bob spent the next eight years impacting the lives of young people through teaching and coaching football.
In 1980, he was named Head Assistant Coach at Northern Illinois University. After one season of college football coaching, he accepted a position with Archer Daniels Midland in Decatur, Illinois where he worked until he retired in 2013 to Peoria, Arizona.
For over a decade, Bob played fast pitch softball. Apart from school sports and softball, golf became Bob's passion - playing golf with friends, teaching his son, and playing with his wife. Bob's love of sports, life, and everything family was infectious.
Bob's desire to continue working with young men ignited his return to coaching. Engaging with local college and high school football programs, Bob returned to where he started - changing the lives of young men. As a coach, he was passionate and he loved to teach. Yet, for all the passion Bob had for the game, we will remember him for his grace and larger than life smile!
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and older brother.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy; his children, Chad and Erin; Chad's wife, Laura; Erin's husband, Jeff; his four grandchildren, Brennan, Chase, Kullen and Mayleigh; Bob's sister, Ruth Ann.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at South Side Country Club, 1650 Cottage Drive, Decatur, Illinois. The informal open house will be from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to The First Tee Program at dontate.thefirsttee.org. Please scroll to the bottom of the page and a tribute gift option is available.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Quinn
July 10, 2015
I was a member of Delta Chi with Bob. While Bob and I lost track of each other after U of I, I always had fond memories of him from our college days. Bob was a wonderful guy who had the utmost respect among our fraternity brothers. My deepest sympathies.
Glenn Guth, U of I '73.
June 4, 2015
I remember Bob from U of I Football---I am sorry to learn of his passing.
Rich Brennan Downers Grove IL Illini Football '67-'70-
April 21, 2015
Ruth Ann, Cindy & family, I had the pleasure of playing baseball with Rob in high school. Rob was our catcher and saved me from those low ones in the dirt many times. In my junior year I made the Chicago Tribune All Star Team after that season. I have to give him most of the credit. He was by far the best player we had. When I look back, those were the best times in my life up until then! Rob was such a fine individual, a first class guy!
Tom Knudson class of 67
Denny Short
April 9, 2015
Cindy and family: Though it has been a long time, the bond that Bob, Daryl and I formed playing ball with Home Savings was a special time in my life. I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember '#10 Quinner" as the leader he always was. Prayers and best wishes for the memories you will keep with you.
April 9, 2015
Cindy and family: Though it has been a long time, the bond that Bob and I formed- along with Daryl - will never be forgotten. The few years we had together were special for us all. I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember #10 'Quinner' for the leader that he always was. Denny Short - [email protected]
Cathy (Paulson) Sawallisch
April 8, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I knew Bob many years ago when he was an outstanding athlete in Sycamore. I recall that he played baseball for my Dad, John Paulson. He even hit a home run ball that shot out of the outfield and hit my sister straight in the eye. He felt so bad about it, but he was such a nice guy and excellent friend of our family. Sorry his life was cut short so early. Our family is very saddened by this. God Bless you all!
April 6, 2015
So sorry for loss! Fondest memory! Rob was Head Coach at West Aurora and he kept sending the fastest kid in the conference my way as I was cornerback for Dekalb, He would yell Rourke we're coming your way! and sure enough! thoughts and prayers!
David, Dana, Patrick and Emma Rourke
April 6, 2015
So sorry to hear of Bob's passing at such a young age, shades of your Father! You had your wedding reception at our home Condy, and I always heard or talked to your Mom, but have not heard any news for a couple of years, hope she is well and ok. I have remarried 22 years ago, and have recently moved to Stoughton Wis, near Barrett and the girls, Dean and I live in Sarasota at a golf and CC club, and I play 3 times a week. I send my sincere sympathy and caring to you and your family. Sincerely Bev Corneille (Anderson)
April 5, 2015
Jim and I were so sorry to hear about Bob. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Patty Randall
April 4, 2015
Ruth Ann, Cindy, and children and grandchildren, I am so sorry for the loss of Bob. He was a great friend to many and never said a bad thing about anyone. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles. Isaiah 40:31. I believe Bob was like an eagle because of his strength was always renewed especially in sports.
Ron Johnson
April 4, 2015
Dear Cindy, Ruth Anne, and family,
When I started teaching in SHS in 1966, I saw Bob play football on those undefeated Spartan teams; he was the best high school quarterback that I had ever seen and was Sycamore's only high school All-American. He was an excellent student, friendly, respected, and popular. In the 1970's I was fortunate to coach football with Bob as a member of Bert's staff. The evening that he went into the Hall of Fame we had a great visit. I am so sorry to read that he had passed; my condolences to all of you. Bob was truly in a class by himself; a Sycamore legend. Fond memories of a great man.
Linda Rolf Anderson
April 4, 2015
Ruth Ann Quinn and Family:
My condolences to you on Bob's passing. As neighbors of the Friedlunds we knew your parents and heard frequently of Bob and Ruth Anns' activities. God's Blessings and His Peace to your family.
Jim McMillan
April 4, 2015
The Lord is my secure height, my God, my Rock of refuge. Psalm 94:22 In this difficult time you must be going through with the sudden loss of Bob, please know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 4, 2015
My prayers are with your family. Growing up, Bob was like a brother to me. Although I haven't seen him in years, I thought of him often. So sorry for your loss, Cindy, your children and Ruth Ann.
Mike Elenz
Peg (Mapes) Wallis
April 4, 2015
Words can not express my sadness. So many great memories of a great person and his family.
April 4, 2015
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. Byron and Deon Boatman
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