Robert M. “Bob” VanOpdorp, 69 of Aledo, IL, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at his home, just shy of his 70th birthday. It is with heavy hearts that we announce his unexpected passing. A celebration of life will be held at Oak View Country Club in Aledo from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, June 28. Cremation services have been provided by Speer Funeral Home, Aledo.
Bob was born on June 19, 1955, in Moline, IL, the son of Robert C. VanOpdorp and MaryAnn (Lampo) Meincke. He was raised in East Moline, the eldest of six children. He graduated from United Township High School in 1973 where he made life-long friends. He embarked on his career at John Deere Seeding Division shortly after where he was famous for his strong work ethic. Bob was previously married to Dawn Lema Johnson with whom he shared a son and step-daughter. He settled in Aledo after living in various Quad City locations. He retired from John Deere Seeding in 2016 after many years of service. Bob also worked at Allied Construction during lay-off periods from Deere and hung drywall on the side.
Bob was an avid golfer although he admittedly thought he was bad at it. He was a member of Oak View Country Club in Aledo where he also took a part time job as a greens keeper. He also held a part time position at Mercer Market. He golfed every day and made some wonderful friends in Aledo. Bob was very disciplined and lifted weights his entire life.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Brad VanOpdorp; grandchildren, Avery Parker and Cohen VanOpdorp;, step-daughter, Shilah Johnson; father and step-mother, Bob (Diane) VanOpdorp; sister, Jean Hansen; brothers, Terry (fiancée Stacy Zmuda) VanOpdorp, Lee (Emily) VanOpdorp, and Todd (Karen) VanOpdorp; and many nieces and nephews. He also had four step-children through another previous marriage, Renee Funk, Bill Monson, Ryan Monson, and Chase Sharp.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother and step-father, Jack and MaryAnn Meincke; sister, Cheryl (VanOpdorp) Williams; brother-in-law, Joseph M. Hansen; and sister-in-law, Debi Jo VanOpdorp.
Bob was loved by all who knew him. He had a heart of gold, an infectious laugh, and every conversation you had with him ended in “Oh, Bob” with a giggle. He will be sadly missed. He was our Bobby.