Robert L. DeGrand

1951 - 2026

The Reverend Robert L. ("Bud") DeGrand, of Sigel, Illinois, passed away at his home on March 19, 2026. Those who knew Father Bud will recall his fiery nature, his sense of humor, and his love of his dog Redmond, a pipe to smoke and a glass of good Irish whisky to sip. He had a deep capacity for human kindness, connection, compassion, and justice for the wrongly accused.

Father Bud was ordained a diocesan priest in May of 1980 and served in several parishes throughout the Springfield diocese before beginning his pastorage at St. Michael's (Sigel). This also included the parishes of St. Mary of the Assumption (Neoga), St. Mary Help of Christians (Green Creek), and Sacred Heart (Lillyville), communities to which he remained spiritually devoted after his leadership was terminated, and he leaves behind many friends both inside and outside these communities. Father Bud maintained his devotion to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church despite difficulties and challenges that would cause many to question their faith.

Father Bud was predeceased by his parents (Robert Sr. and Nancy) and two siblings (Stephanie Ann Doody and Yoland Marie Plunkett (Mark)). He is survived by his sisters Mary Louise DeGrand Watson and Stacy Phelps (Gary), and his four brothers, Alfred Vincent DeGrand (Karen), Peter Joseph DeGrand (Valli), Thomas Anthony DeGrand, and Luke DeGrand (Karen). Visitation is set for Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Swengel-O'Dell Funeral Home, 520 Oak Avenue, in Neoga, Illinois; and a funeral service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 200 Church Street, in Sigel, Illinois.

-- "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38