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Robert 'Bob' Eugene Gibson

Robert “Bob” Eugene Gibson, 93, Woodstock, died Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Sept. 18, 1919, in Oketo, Kan., to John S. and Elizabeth M. Gibson.

He moved to Illinois at a young age and lived in Woodstock for more than 60 years.

In 1947, he married Dorothy M. Kopsell at Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. The Rev. Roger Kaufman officiated.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and Korea and earned numerous decorations for his service, including the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

He worked for Dean Foods in Huntley for 35 years and was the elected union steward for 25 years.  He also was elected to the executive board. He retired as a business agent and president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 754, after 13 years of service. He served as the Democrat precinct committeeman in Dorr 3, Woodstock, since 1958 and, after his retirement, also was active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5040. He served with the honor guard and participated in various activities at the post.

Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Penny Gibson Dawson; two sons, Frederick J. Gibson and John A. Gibson; three grandchildren, Erika Johnson, Renee Gibson Lally and Robert F. Gibson; five great-grandchildren, Ronald D. Nunes III, Brandon L. Nunes, Zachary M. Nunes, Jade Lally and Jordan Lally; a nephew, Larry (Sue) Gibson; and three nieces, Christine (Terry) Giblin, Janet (Ted) Whiteley and Karen Gibson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Robert E. Gibson Jr.; two sisters, Ella (Pete) Peterson and Margurite (Claude) Bokker; and two brothers, Gene Gibson and Walter (Louise) Gibson.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 15, and at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at Schneider-Leucht-Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock.  

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16. 

Burial with military honors provided by Woodstock VFW Post 5040 honor guard, will be at McHenry County Memorial Park, Woodstock. 

Memorials can be sent to Helping Paws Animal Shelter, 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098.

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