Robert Lee Fernandes II, 83, of Springfield, passed away on February 9, 2024 at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. He was born on November 7, 1940 in Springfield to Robert Lee Fernandes and Mary Ellen Geddes. Robert married Joyce Wiersma on February 14, 1987 in Las Vegas.
Mr. Fernandes is survived by his wife Joyce of Springfield, one daughter Jennifer Lynn Hartman of Huachuca City, AZ., one sister Barb (Garry Thomas) Banning of Springfield, nephew Tony (Amy) Wiersma of Springfield, niece Judi Buckner of Lake Villa, IL., niece Ellen Quade of Wentzville, MO., nephew Jay (Kendra) Banning of Springfield, three grandchildren, one great-grandchild, two great nephews and three great-nieces.
Robert loved spending time with his wife and his family and going on adventures with his great-niece Hailey. He enjoyed vacationing in Florida, spending time at the beach, amusement parks, roller coasters and playing slot machines responsibly. After Robert retired from the State of Illinois Attorney General’s office he worked for SmartVan and he enjoyed the interactions he had with his passengers that he would drive around. Robert drove with his arm out of the window so much that one arm was more tanned than the other.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday February 17, 2024 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 Koke Mill Road with the burial to follow at Auburn City Cemetery, Auburn, Illinois. The family will meet friends one hour prior to the service Saturday at Bisch West. Memorial contributions may be made to Kumler Outreach Ministries Food Pantry, 303 North Grand Avenue East, Springfield, IL. 62702 and condolences may be left at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com.
