Robert Dale Watkins

Robert Dale Watkins, 83, Woodstock, died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, at  Florence Nursing Home, Marengo.

He was born Sept. 24, 1930, in Belvidere to Floyd and Florence Watkins. 

On April 14, 1956, he married Faith J. Jensen in Woodstock .

He joined the United States Army in November 1951 and served in the Korean War, where he was wounded in battle and received a Purple Heart. 

After his discharge, he helped his dad on the farm and also worked at Arnold Engineering in Marengo. From 1968 until 1998 he farmed and worked at Techalloy Inc. in Union. He was a member of American Legion Post 192 in Marengo for 60 years.

He loved fishing with his son Mark and his buddies in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Ohio. His favorite thing in life was spending time with his family and friends. He also loved polka music, fish fries and the Cubs. His favorite food was strawberry shortcake.

Survivors include his loving wife; three children Lori (Brad) Brown, Mark Watkins and Andy Watkins; six grandchildren Jennifer (Kenneth) Knuth-Wake, Rebecca Knuth and her fiance John Reiker, Melissa Watkins, Sara (Andrew) Bourke, Heather Watkins and Daniel (Betsy) Watkins; a step-grandson, Tyler Brown; nine great-grandchildren, Chance, Parker, Kael, Jacob, Scarlett, Logan, Gregory, Addison and Derrick; a step-great-grandson, Gavin Wake; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and also his extended family at Florence Nursing Home, especially all his “girls.”

He was preceded in death by his parents and two infant sons, Michael Floyd and Daniel Dwight.

A memorial gathering will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Grace Lutheran Church, 1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock .

Memorials can be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements were made by Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.