Robert "Bob" Bogard

Robert “Bob” Bogard, age 72, of Galesburg, Illinois died peacefully at 8:42 A.M. on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at his home in rural Galesburg, surrounded by his family.

He was born on August 20, 1942 in Galesburg, Illinois the son of Ralph Samuel and Helen Lucille Ramsey Bogard. He attended and graduated Spoon River Valley High School in 1960. He was married to Joyce Ann Hopping on July 14, 1962.  They were happily married for 52 years. 

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and Christian.  Surviving are his wife, Joyce Bogard of rural Galesburg, Illinois; three daughters, Barb (Jim) Lenz of Knoxville, Illinois, Karen Bogard-Cremeens (Craig Stancomb) of Knoxville, Illinois, Christine Bogard (Linda Mazzaro) of Milford, New Jersey; six grandchildren, Jessica, Rachel, Kelly, Joshua, Emily Lenz and Hannah Coffin; Two great grandchildren, Lillie Lenz and Brylee Maddox; and one sister Judith Clayton of Galesburg. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bob was a veteran of the United States Air Force who served during the Vietnam War.  After his time in the service, he completed his apprenticeship as a sheet metal worker with Thomas Plumbing and Heating in Galesburg, Illinois.  In 1986 he started his own company and relocated to Flemington, New Jersey where he was an expert in chimney restoration and relining.  He supervised major projects including one at Universal Studios in Orlando Florida.  He was also featured on This Old House as a guest consultant. 

Bob was the sitting President of the Board of Education in Knoxville CUSD #202 serving in his third term.  Bob's leadership was instrumental in several projects within the school district, including the construction of the Sports Complex and the new High School.  Bob always had a smile on his face, and was known for his honesty, work ethic, dedication, and caring demeanor among other fine qualities.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the Knoxville High School Auditorium, Knoxville, Illinois. Rev. David Shreeves and Jim Lenz will officiate. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Knoxville High School Memorial Gymnasium, Knoxville, Illinois. In-lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bogard Family. Services have been entrusted to the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory in Knoxville, Illinois.  On-line condolences and sympathy cards may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com