Robert Gene "Bob" Duis

Robert "Bob" Gene Duis, 76, of Grant Park, Illinois, passed on Tuesday, April 8th, 2025 at Fairview Haven Nursing Home in Fairbury, Illinois.

Bob was born October 22nd, 1948, in Watseka to Carl M. and Engelina J. (Wienrank) Duis. He was a graduate of Donovan High School and the University of Illinois College of Agriculture.

After college, he returned to the family farm near Donovan where he was a grain farmer and cattle producer. Throughout his tenure in the industry, he raised many champions on a state and national level. He was particularly proud of raising the grand champion steer of both the junior and open shows at the Illinois State Fair. He also bred, raised, or owned many successful females and bulls at the state and national level in the Shorthorn and Chiania breeds. He was a longtime supporter of junior livestock exhibitors nationwide.

He enjoyed fishing, breakfast at the coffee shop with his friends, and hosting hunters on the farm property. After his retirement, he could often be found assisting with farm operations, at the local elevator watching the grain markets, or at the sale barn in Milford.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Nancy, and his longtime companion of 30 years, Jody LaFond.

He is survived by his three children: Julie (Dustin) Blunier of Hanna City, IL; Robbie (Chelsea) Duis of Petersburg, IL; Kate (Dennis Paras) Duis of Cheverly, MD; and their mother, Paula (Wall) Duis of Champaign, IL. Grandchildren Avery, Landon, and Delaney Blunier; Addison Duis; and Owen Paras. Sisters Linda Ash and Kathy Anderson, several nieces and a nephew. He is also survived by his godson, Mike (Christy) Duis of Sheldon who over the last few years played a large role with the day to day operations of the farm.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to the 1:00 p.m. memorial service all at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka with Pastor Joel Brown officiating. A private graveside service will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery near Crescent City.

Memorials can be made to the Iroquois County Fair Beef Department.

Please share a memory of Robert at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.