Robert VanOpdorp Obituary

Robert VanOpdorp

June 19, 1955 - May 31, 2025

Robert M. "Bob" VanOpdorp, 69, passed away on Saturday, May 31st, at his home in Aledo, Ill., just shy of his 70th birthday. It is with heavy hearts that we announce his unexpected passing. Bob was born on June 19, 1955, in Moline, Ill., the son of Robert C. VanOpdorp and MaryAnn (Lampo) Meincke. Cremation services have been provided by Speer Funeral Home, Aledo, Ill.

Bob was raised in East Moline, the eldest of six children. He graduated from United Township High School in 1973, where he made life-long friends. He embarked on his career at John Deere Seeding Division shortly after where he was famous for his strong work ethic. Bob was previously married to Dawn Lema Johnson, with whom he shared a son and step-daughter. He settled in Aledo, Ill., after living in various quad city locations. He retired from John Deere Seeding in 2016 after many years of service. Bob also worked at Allied Construction during lay-off periods from Deere and hung drywall on the side.

Bob was an avid golfer, although he admittedly thought he was bad at it. He was a member of Oak View Country Club in Aledo where he also took a part-time job as a greens keeper. He also held a part time position at the local food mart. He golfed every day and made some wonderful friends in Aledo. Bob was very disciplined and lifted weights his entire life.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Brad VanOpdorp; grandchildren, Avery Parker and Cohen VanOpdorp; stepdaughter, Shilah Johnson; father and stepmother, Bob (Diane) VanOpdorp; sister, Jean Hansen; brothers, Terry (fiancée Stacy Zmuda) VanOpdorp, Lee (Emily) VanOpdorp, Todd (Karen) VanOpdorp; and many nieces and nephews. He also had four stepchildren through another previous marriage, Renee Funk, Bill Monson, Ryan Monson and Chase Sharp.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Jack and MaryAnn Meincke; sister, Cheryl (VanOpdorp) Williams; brother-in-law, Joseph M. Hansen; and sister-in-law, Debi Jo VanOpdorp.

A celebration of life will be held at Oak View Country Club in Aledo on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. Bob was loved by all who knew him. He had a heart of gold, an infectious laugh and every conversation you had with him ended in "Oh, Bob" with a giggle. He will be sadly missed. He was our Bobby.

Speer Funeral Home

2502 SE 3rd Street

Aledo, IL 61231

3095825145