Robert R. Roche

Robert Roche, 84, of Monmouth died at 12:20 P.M. Monday, February 24, 2014 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born November 30, 1929 in rural Raritan, IL. the son of Timothy Arthur and Mary Winifred (St. Ledger) Roche. He was raised and educated at Stanley School, a one room school house, Stronghurst Schools and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1947.

Bob served with the United States Army during the Korean War from 1948-1953.

Bob married Carolyn Gayle Chapman in Monmouth at Immaculate Conception Church on July 17, 1954 and she preceded him in death on April 29, 2004.

He worked as the shipping dock supervisor for Wilson Foods in Monmouth until he retired in 1986. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, he served on the Monmouth Park Board and was a member of the Southeast Iowa Pigeon Club. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Gibson Woods Golf Course. He had a passion and a large collection of toy trucks.

Bob was a loving and devoted family man and truly enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family. Bob had a very special quality of never knowing a stranger and everyone was a friend.

Survivors include his children, Tim (Nancy) Roche, Dorothy (James) Oaks and Ruth (Jim) Harlow all of Monmouth; 6 grandchildren, Candice (Mike) White of Mackinaw, IL., Rob Roche of Mackinaw, IL., Josh (Mishelle) Oaks of Monmouth, Ashley (Rick) Leonard of Galesburg, Jeremy (Melissa Mikelski) Harlow of Schaumburg, and Greysen Harlow of Monmouth; 2 step grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, 1 step great grandchild; brother, J. Donald Roche of Macomb; brother in laws, Donald Perrin of Monmouth and Wendell (Dixie) Chapman in KY; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 5 sisters and 1 brother.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be 10:00 A.M. Friday, Feb. 28, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Monmouth. Burial with Military Honors will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. Friends may call Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth where his family will be present from 6:00-8:00 P.M. with a Rosary Service beginning at 6:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to OSF Hospice or Gibson Woods.