With great sadness, we bid farewell to Robert J. DeVries age 89, of Quincy, IL. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Robert departed this life at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on June 4, 1935, in Chicago, IL, Robert was the son of Ralph and Loretta (Osterbosch). Finding deep and unconditional love with Mary Jo DeVries (Weseman), they were married on August 18, 1956, at St. Peter Church in Quincy. She survives.

Robert's leadership began in college at Western Illinois University. Playing four years of varsity football for the Leathernecks, he was Team Captain in his senior year. While at WIU, he was an avid member of the Business Education Club, stepping into the role of President. After college, Robert began his life's work in education. Starting as a teacher, Counselor, administrator, and coach at Hamilton High School in Hamilton, IL. He then moved to Quincy, taking the positions of assistant football coach for the sophomore and varsity QHS teams, Counselor, and Director of Guidance. His unwavering commitment to the educational system also led him to be Director of Adult and Vocational Education, Principal of old Quincy Senior High I, and Principal of the new Senior High II. After retirement, he became Director of Transportation.

As a dedicated advocate for the Quincy community, Robert served as member and/or President of the following boards and professional organizations: Quincy Notre Dame Board of Directors; Recovery Resources; Quincy Junior Achievement; Quincy YMCA; Quincy Country Club; Westview Golf Course; Western Illinois Fly-Tyers Association; treasurer of the Quincy Jaycees; and President of Quincy Rotary East.

Aside from his professional love of teaching and education, Robert possessed a never-ending capacity for the needs and support of his family. No matter how far away or how great in number it became. He shared his vast knowledge of the art of fly fishing with his beloved children and grandchildren, traveled for numerous vacations and fishing trips, and logged thousands of miles to watch his grandchildren participate in various sports and artistic performances throughout the years. And somehow, amongst all of his personal and professional endeavors, Bob developed a green thumb and a prideful eye for perfection while tending to his backyard of flowers, plants, and ornamental trees. However, he always knew how to nurture himself, staying physically active, walking the family and friends' dogs, and enjoying long afternoons of golf.

In addition to his loving wife Mary Jo, survivors include: Lori A. Mayfield (Daughter), Jeff A. Mayfield (Lori's Husband) of Quincy, IL. Robert L. Mayfield (Grandson), Ashley M. (Niemann) Mayfield (Robert's wife), Alivia N. Mayfield (Great-granddaughter), Logan A. Mayfield (Great-granddaughter), Rowan L. Mayfield (Great-granddaughter) of Huntersville, NC. Dr. Allison E. (Mayfield) Cooper (Granddaughter), Dr. Jac A. Cooper (Alli's husband), Madison M. Cooper (Great-granddaughter), Cameron M. Cooper (Great-granddaughter) of Springfield, IL. Abigail E. Kaesberg (Granddaughter) of Seattle, WA. Zakary A. Kaesberg (Grandson), Julija (Lukosevicius) Kaesberg (Zak's wife) of Bloomington, IL. His very fun sister, Pearl M. Miller and John R. Beckner (Pearl's husband) of Penn Yan, NY.

He was preceded in death by: Parents, Ralph and Loretta DeVries; daughter, Catherine B. Corwin, who passed away February 9, 2025, 41 days before her father; youngest grandson, Luke A. Mayfield (2015), his prideful protege; brothers, Gil and Bill DeVries; and numerous relatives that may be unnamed but live on in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Peter Church, Quincy, IL, by Monsignor Leo Enlow. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery following mass. Visitation will also be Friday from 10:00 am until 11:00 am at St. Peter Church. Memorials are suggested to the Luke Mayfield Scholarship at Quincy Notre Dame High School or to the Quincy Area Vocational Technical Center (QAVTC) Health Occupations program of study.

Service arrangements are with Duker & Haugh Funeral Home. Messages may be shared online at www.dukerandhaugh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Herald-Whig on Mar. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert DeVries

Sponsored by Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.

2 Entries

Fletcher Davis

March 29, 2025

I remember how Bob (always Mr. Devries to me) served as a role model for me. We lived next door to the Devries family. Every weekend when weather was good we would see Bob out repairing, painting the house or garage or mowing the grass. He once encouraged me to see my chores as a blessing I must eagerly embrace. God bless Bob and his Family.
Fletcher Davis

Mark Weseman

March 27, 2025

Our uncle,Bob was a wonderful man who devoted his life to teaching and helping others, especially young people. When my parents would bring us to Quincy every year to visit the relatives, Bob always made a point to reach out to us and engage us in conversation about our lives and the things we were doing. This continued through our adult years, including the last time I saw him, which was at my aunt Elizabeth´s funeral in 2022. I will miss him

Mark Weseman
Knoxville, Tennessee

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