Bob was born on June 7, 1933, in Peoria, Illinois to loving parents, Purl B. and Cedelia B. (McGranahan) Gard. He married the love of his life, Barbara Ann (Ginocchio) Gard on April 7, 1956. She preceded him in death on August 8, 2023.
Bob is survived by two daughters, Jennifer (Mark) Kunkel of Belvidere, Illinois, and Karen (Randy) Cook of Springfield, Illinois. The lights of his life were his four grandchildren, Tiffany Johnkoski of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Dakota (Kaitlyn) Cook of Chatham, Illinois, Hailey Cook of Springfield, Illinois and Brody Cook of Fenton, Missouri. Bob’s grandchildren adored him and fondly called him Popsicle.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two sisters and six brothers.
Bob was an Army veteran. He was inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame in 1991 as part of Manual High School’s 1950-1951 unbeaten Big 12 Conference championship football team. Bob was a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, Illinois until his move to Springfield. He attended First United Methodist Church while residing in Springfield. He was also a member of Elk’s Lodge #20.
Bob retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company in 1989 after 37 ½ years. He was a Data Processing Supervisor at the time of his retirement.
Bob loved playing golf and continued to golf well into his 80’s. He spent hours on his computer keeping up with current events and creating family photo slideshows with amazing graphics and music. Not many 90-year-olds could claim that as their hobby.
A private service was held on Saturday, February 3, 2024. A get-together for family and friends will be held in Peoria at a later date. Please send contact information to [email protected] if interested in attending.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.
