Robert E. Cortelyou

Robert E. Cortelyou age 91 of Bushnell, IL passed away at 2:32 A.M. Friday August 4, 2017 at his residence.  He was born on July 26, 1926 in Macomb, IL to Walter and Gladys Lucille Hellyer Cortelyou.  He married Shirley Friske in Rockford, IL on November 11, 1950.  Bob is survived by his wife Shirley of Bushnell, IL, 3 Sons and 1 Daughter – Dan (Pat) Cortelyou of Bushnell, IL, Gaye (Marc) McCance of Ft. Myers, FL, David (Cindy) Cortelyou of Bushnell, IL and Don Cortelyou of Chicago, IL.  He is also survived by 7 Grandchildren, 10 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Sister – Barbara Lesch of Sun Lakes, AZ, and 9 Nieces & Nephews.  Bob was preceded in death by his Parents, and 1 Sister.

Bob graduated from Bushnell High School and attended W.I.U.  He was a World War II Veteran of the Navy Air Corps.  He worked for National Cash Register after his military duty and later joined his father in the Septic Tank business in 1953.  He bought his first backhoe in 1959 and started Cortelyou Excavating Co., still in operation by his son, David.  He was a member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Bushnell, IL, and he was an avid Cardinal fan.  He was also a Charter Member of the Bushnell Lions Club, and a avid bowler, he coached Little League & Pony League baseball, loved fishing and the Mississippi River and Florida.  He was a lifetime member of the Bushnell V.F.W.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday August 7, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Bushnell, IL with Father Patrick O’Neal officiating.  Visitation will be held from 4 – 6 P.M. Sunday August 6, 2017 at St. Bernard’s Church where friends may call after 2:00 P.M. at the Church.  Burial will be in the Bushnell Cemetery.  The family requests that in lieu of flowers Memorials be made to St. Bernard’s Catholic Church or Bushnell V.F.W. Post #1422 with notation: Honor Flight Fund.  Martin-Hollis Funeral Home in Bushnell, IL is in charge of arrangements.  Please sign the guestbook or leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.