Bob Alewelt

Bob (John Robert) Alewelt, 71, of Rochester, died on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at his home. Bob was born on July 11, 1942 in Springfield, son of Clarence "Mick" and Betty Cunningham Shea. He married Vicki Zaubi on February 12, 1966 in Springfield. Being a lover of sports, Bob lettered in three sports, football, wrestling, and track in high school (Feitshans) and in college (EIU). He later took up the game of golf. He passed his love of sports and competitive nature on to his children and grandchildren. He started his career as a salesman of professional business forms and later obtained his own company. He then began working for the State of Illinois at the Illinois Department of Public Aid. Before retiring Bob worked at the Illinois Department of Transportation initially as the Bureau Chief of Information Processing and then was promoted to Bureau Chief of Personnel and lastly as Deputy Director of Finance and Administration. He was a member of the Elk's and Eagles Club, and his coffee group. Bob enjoyed playing golf, visiting his 2nd home in FL, but above all watching and supporting his children and grandchildren at their sporting events. The most important thing in Bob's life was his family. Preceding Bob in death were his parents, Mick and Betty Shea and Franklin Alewelt; an infant sister, Cheryl Lynn Shea; and sister, Doreen Geyston. He is survived by his wife, Vicki; his children, Brad (wife, Lynn) Alewelt of Rochester, Leslie "Missy" (husband, Dean) Anderson of MN, and Julie Valentine of Chicago; ten grandchildren, Morgan, Abby, Lindsay, Clayton, Ben, Joe, Ryan, Tom, Anthony, and Gabriella; and several nieces and nephews. Bob is also survived by his friend, Jake. Prior to the ceremonies, cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Memorial Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th, Springfield. Family and Friends Gathering: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 12, 2013 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Children's Miracle Network, P.O. Box 6070, Springfield, IL 62708-6070.