Robert L. Weber

 

Robert “Bob” Weber, 91, of Lacon, IL passed away on June 25, 2023, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice House in Peoria, IL. 

Robert was born on March 16, 1932, in Eureka, IL to Fred and Freda Weber, the youngest of three sons. He graduated from LaRose High School in 1950 and married Betty (Whited) Weber on October 24, 1954. In 2024, they would have celebrated their 70th anniversary. 

Bob was a true self-made man who started his career at Caterpillar, Inc. sweeping floors working his way up to Senior Design Engineer. During his time with Caterpillar, he made many trips to Europe, Asia and South America and held several patents for his designs. He retired from Caterpillar in 1994 after 43 years of service.  

Bob was very involved in his community, serving on the Lacon City Council for 27 years and several years as Mayor. He was a member of the Jaycees, Rotary and Lacon Historical Society. He served for many years on the church council of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He was instrumental in building the Lacon Community Center and has a park named after him on the Lacon riverfront.  

After retiring, he worked tirelessly building houses for Habitat for Humanity completing seven homes throughout Marshall County. He made two medical mission trips to Haiti helping to provide care in clinics to patients in need.  

Bob’s favorite hobby was fishing and there was usually an annual family trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan as well as trips to the boundary waters of Canada with friends. He also loved building and fixing things and was skilled in all aspects of plumbing, electrical, carpentry and automotive repair. He enjoyed reading and had a beautiful singing voice.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, brothers Henry and Hasso and granddaughters Abbey Aeschliman and Tessa Sutton. 

He is survived by his wife, Betty, sons Mike (LaJean) Weber, Perry Weber, Paul (Belinda) Weber all of Lacon, daughter Michelle (Rich) Sutton of Dunlap, grandchildren Ryan (Lisa) Weber, Matt (Hannah) Weber, Kirk Weber, Caleb (Megan) and Joshua Aeschliman, Hannah and Sarah Sutton and Sophie and Haylie Milloy. He is also survived by 6 great-grandsons.  

Services will be held at Lenz Memorial Home in Lacon with visitation Wednesday, June 28th from 5 – 7 pm and funeral service on Thursday, June 29th at 10 am. Burial of cremains will be held at a later date at the Lacon cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Tessa Sutton Foundation or the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice House.