Robert Vanderburg

MORTON - Robert Burns Vanderburg, 76, of Morton, IL, passed away Sunday, October 8, 2023, at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Robert (Bob) was born November 9, 1946, in Miami, Oklahoma, to Herschel Ray and Roberta (Burns) Vanderburg.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Vanderburg and Roberta (Burns) Vanderburg; aunt, Frances Burns; his niece, Jessica Seward; great niece, Payton Seward and nephew, Joshua Seward. Surviving are his loving wife and soul mate, Mary Helen (Goodale) Vanderburg; three children, Johnny (Michelle) Vanderburg, Billy (Evelyn) Vanderburg, and Jody Vanderburg; three grandchildren, Rory Vanderburg, Helen (Lena) Vanderburg, and Keenan Vanderburg; sisters, Frances (Ken) Wagener, and Joy (Eric) Seward; niece, Sharolyn (Len) Kenney, nephew, Jordan (Rachel) Seward; and great nieces, Alexandria, Victoria, and Katherine of Montana, Katherine, Morgan, and Harrison of Mahomet.
Robert was drafted and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam war, and later worked as a Computer Systems Quality Engineer for Caterpillar from 1977 until his retirement in 2009, where he found fulfillment in taking on company challenges and finding critical and innovative solutions, for which he was honored. Robert brought his professional construction and engineering passion home with him, often designing and implementing creative home projects.
Robert's wife, Mary, was his biggest fan of 49 years, and she was "the perfect size and always laughed at his jokes," which was just part of what made their inspiring marriage so special.  He never missed an opportunity to boast about how much she means to the family.  He was a humble but principled man, with a character that brought much amusement to his family and friends. Robert loved spreadsheets and never let a good--or bad--pun go to waste.
Robert enjoyed traveling to Europe with Mary, the Chicago Cubs, amusement parks, playing tennis, games like Dirty Dog and Mexican Train, John Clancy novels, coaching his children's sports teams and encouraging their interests, and was well known as a nice guy with integrity and a helpful hand.
Above all, Robert's greatest joy was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather to his family, and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be at Knapp Johnson Funeral home from 1:00 to 3:00 on Friday, October 13, followed by the funeral at 3:00.
Memorials may be made to Illinois CancerCare.
Knapp-Johnson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Morton is handling arrangements.
To view Robert’s video tribute or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.knappjohnson.com.