Robert L. Grover

Robert L. Grover, 81, of Pekin, died at 9:57 am January 29, 2013, at Pekin Hospital. Bob was born February 2, 1931 in Quincy, Illinois to Byron Robert and Florence Irene (Stover) Grover.He married Donna L. Peck on February 4, 1961 in Pekin.She survives. Also surviving is three daughters, Dana L. (Kerry) Karcz of Kenny, IL, Cheryl A. (Mickey )Janis of Downers Grove, IL, Jody L. (Michael) Bochenek of Orland Park, IL; four grandchildren, Jamie Manuel of Indianapolis, Justin Manuel of Morton, Jessica and Avery Bochenek of Orland Park, IL; four step grandchildren, Michelle Karcz Nance, Joshua, Maddison and Mason Karcz. He was preceded in death by one brother, Byron Roger Grover. A 1955 graduate of Bradley University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, he also completed graduate work at Bradley University. The last 15 years of his career was as Sales Manager for Illinois Crane, Inc. in Peoria.He retired in 1995. He was a member of First Christian Church of Pekin, where he served as a deacon, choir member, and a member of the Christian Men's Fellowship. Bob served in the United States Army Reserve for eight years and was a member of American Legion Post 44 in Pekin. He was a member of Empire Lodge #126, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois in Pekin, and Chapter #25 Royal Arch Masons.He was a former member of Mohammed Temple Shrine, and Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Peoria. Bob was a former member of Pekin Barbershop Chorus, Pekin Public Library Board, Pekin Concert Association Board, Pekin Elks Lodge #1271, Pekin Moose Lodge #916, Sunset Hills Country Club, volunteer/escort at Pekin Hospital, computer staff/instructor at the Miller Center, board member and Hixon Award recipient of Pekin Kiwanis Club, courier for Heartland Bank and Trust Company, driver for Henderson Funeral Home, and a member of the Senior Golf League at Parkview Golf Course. He was a diehard Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed volunteer work, golfing, cooking, computers and especially his family and grandchildren. Memorial service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, February 2, 2013 at First Christian Church in Pekin,with visitation 9:00 am to 11:00 am prior to service.Rev. Michael Roberts will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Henderson Funeral Home is assisting Bob's family with arrangements. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, 1201 Chestnut St., Pekin, IL or Pekin Salvation Army 243 Derby St., Pekin, IL 61554. Cemetery Glendale Memorial Gardens 18119 Illinois Route 9 Pekin,IL 61554 Service Saturday, February 2, 2013 11:00 AM First Christian Church 1201 Chestnut St Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Saturday, February 2, 2013 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM First Christian Church 1201 Chestnut St Pekin,IL 61554