Robert L. Workheiser Sr.

KEWANEE - Robert Lloyd Workheiser, Sr., 87, of Galesburg, formerly of Kewanee died at 4:14 a.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. He passed in the early morning hours, peacefully reuniting with loved ones gone before him.

Robert was born May 16, 1933 in Kewanee, the son of Floyd Allen and Lillian Lucille (Powers) Workheiser, Sr.  Robert married Elaine Jones, October 13, 1956. They have three children that survive him in death; Laurie (Paul-deceased) Gigerich, Debora (Darrell) Phillips, and Robert (Pat) Workheiser, Jr., 7 grandchildren; Heather (Ed) Ioerger, Hillary Hankins, Brandy (Jon) Clark, Robert James (Heather) Workheiser, Theresa Workheiser, Mayana Workheiser, and Heather (Derek) VanHorn; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a beloved, special friend, Joanne Hewitt. They shared similar interests including traveling and camping. Joanne was a mental health technician for 45 years, working in Peoria and Galesburg.

Robert was one of twelve children. His siblings included Lorraine Owens, Phyllis Camey, Floyd “Sonny” Workheiser, Kenneth Workheiser, Lois Calhoun, Dorothy Jones, Ronald Workheiser, Roger “Fibber” Workheiser, Eddie Workheiser, Gary Workheiser, and Sharon Conner, several of whom have preceded him.

As a youth he earned pocket money as a farmhand. He later worked at the Hires Rootbeer Plant and at Mailigraph Company bundling advertising circulars.

Robert served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed with the HQ & Service Company 802 Engineer Aviation Battalion, responsible for building roads necessary for troop movement.  He was honorably discharged March 17, 1955 having earned the National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbons, United Nations Service Medal, and Korea’s Presidential Unit Citation. He was proud to be a life member of the VFW. After his military service he was employed by Burlington Northern Railroad until retirement.

Robert loved to watch westerns; he actively followed local politics, and enjoyed antiquing and collecting.  Some of his happiest moments came from a treasure he’d found. He also spent many happy hours dining at Sirloin Stockade.  He knew everyone there—Customers and Staff!

Services will be held Saturday, April 24 at Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Martin Gutzmer officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery in Kewanee. Military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. Due to the capacity limits at the funeral home, the funeral will be live-streamed via the Rux Funeral Home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity of choice or to Tres Café’s Meals for those in need, a service close to Robert’s heart. The organization provides free meals to the community in the hope of alleviating hardship in this area.  Their support during Robert’s illness gave him much fellowship and joy.

Due to Covid restrictions we regret that there will be no gathering after the service.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert L. Workheiser Sr., please visit our floral store.