Robert Vogelsang

Born February 25, 1925 in Pekin to Henry B. and Mary (Hoerr) Vogelsang, he married Virginia Lea Keayes on October 20, 1951 in Pekin. She died April 16, 2020 in Pekin. He also was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Barbara Sue Vogelsang on May 5, 2013 and Vickie Lynn Vogelsang on November 25, 2015, both in Houston, Texas; two brothers, Henry Vogelsang and Eugene Vogelsang; three sisters, Florence Nolder, Betty Vogelsang and Helen Vogelsang and one half-sister, Amelia Vogelsang.

Surviving are two grandsons, Matthew Vogelsang and Robert Vogelsang, both of San Antonio, Texas; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles Vogelsang of Pekin; one sister, Leona Vogelsang of Pekin and his sister-in-law, Marilyn Perrilles of Bartonville. He also leaves several nieces and nephews.

Bob was a World War II Navy veteran and served in the Pacific Theater.

He retired from Lonza Chemical in Mapleton in 1988 after 10 years of service. He previously had worked as a maintenance welder at American Distilling Company in Pekin. After his Navy service, Bob worked as a butcher at the Fifth Street Market in Pekin, which was his family’s business.

He loved hunting and fishing. Bob also enjoyed bowling as a couple for many years. In earlier years, he liked roller skating, which is how he and Virginia first met. He had many friends, loved to tell a joke and had an infectious laugh. He also liked to travel, especially on bus trips and to see family in Texas.

Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin.

His funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 29, 2020 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the United States Navy and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team. Those attending the visitation and service are asked to respect social distancing and follow mask guidelines.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637 or to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com