Robert Edward Sidener, Sr.

Our dad passed on Saturday, December 5, 2020, at 3:16 p.m. He was a wonderful father and we were blessed that he lived for 90 years. He loved his family very much. We will miss him forever but rejoice that he passed peacefully with family surrounding him, enveloped in our love. John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” We love you, Dad.

Robert E. “Bob” Sidener, 90, of Lebanon, Illinois, formerly of Springfield, died Saturday, December 5, 2020, surrounded by loved ones at the home of his daughter, Laura Arzavala. He was born September 1, 1930, in Springfield, the son of Thomas J. and Ruth (Canfield) Sidener. He married Roberta Lee Williams in 1951 in Petersburg, Illinois; she preceded him in death on November 12, 2005. A son, Albert Thomas Sidener, also preceded him in death, as did his parents, five brothers, two sisters, and his best friend, Reno Bressan.

Robert served his country honorably as an Army Specialist from 1956-1958. He retired in1985 after 37 years with Pillsbury Mills, working as a milling department supervisor. Most everyone knew Robert as “Red Sidener.” He was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, enjoyed bowling on several leagues at King Pin Lanes, golfed most mornings at Bergen Park with his friend, Reno, and attended Wesley United Methodist Church when Mom made him.

Robert is survived by his son, Robert E. (wife, Deborah) Sidener Jr. of Springfield; three daughters: Deborah S. (husband, David) Ratz of Springfield, Laura C. (husband, Manny) Arzavala of Lebanon, and Marena L. (Jeff) Faulkner of New Baden; 11 grandchildren: Robert H. Sidener, Kellie Sidener, Amanda Ratz, Joshua (wife, Julienne) Ratz, Matthew (wife, Bridget) Ratz, Justin (wife, Stacy) Ratz, Stephanie (husband, Erik) Arzavala-Reed, Jessica (Scott Overbey) Arzavala, Nicholas Faulkner, Timothy Faulkner, and Alyssa Faulkner; ten great-grandchildren: Jessica, Josiah, Russell, Danny, Alexander, Charlotte, Rosie, Elliott, Lily, and Clara; several nieces and nephews; and his beloved fur-baby, Puffer.

Arrangements are under the care of Bisch & Son Funeral Home. Private family services, with Pastor Jeff Rush officiating, will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery on Friday, December 18, with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the SJ-R’s Friend-In-Deed at [email protected].