Robert C. Garlisch

Robert “Bob” Charles Garlisch was born on August 30, 1928 to Samuel and Alberta (Carter) Garlisch. He attended country school until the age of 16 when he started farming full time with his father on the Lookout Livestock Farm in Fulton County, Illinois (near Lewistown). He raised corn, soybeans, hogs, and cattle. He was especially proud of his Duroc hogs and Oldsmobiles.

Robert married Doris Irene Baker Dierker on February 22, 1950. About a year later, he was drafted into the US Army. He served in the 1st Calvary Division during the Korean Conflict. Bob earned a Purple Heart in this war. Bob was the backup radio man for his unit. When he was called to come forward, he was wounded by a sniper. Bob was 70% disabled due to limited use of his right arm and hand.
He returned home to farm with his father until 1969 when Bob and Doris moved to East Moline. Bob delivered LP gas for Skelly Oil. Later, they moved to Havana, Illinois. Robert served as an elder for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and was a member of the VFW Post there. His hobbies were putting together jigsaw puzzles and taking care of his yard and car.
At age 95, Bob and Doris moved into an assisted living facility in Quincy, IL. There, he enjoyed coffee and the company of the Silver Foxes group on Friday mornings. In November of 2023, his family (daughters and son-in-law) conducted the ceremony to award him a Quilt of Valor in honor of his service to his country. In early 2025, Bob was the recipient of a Veteran Pinning ceremony through Blessing Hospital Hospice. He passed peacefully on March 6, 2025at Adams Pointe in Quincy, IL. The family is grateful to Adams Pointe staff for the wonderful care he was given.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, sister (Sandra Bohm), and his wife, Doris. Surviving are his daughters Kathleen Garlisch of Quincy, IL, and Roberta (Ronald) Hersom of Emmetsburg, IA. He has two granddaughters: Laura (Ben) Sweet of Johnston, IA, and Elizabeth (Jesse) Bird of Sioux Falls, SD. There are five great-grandchildren: Ryan, Eleanor, and Daniel Sweet; and Emily and Elena Bird.
Funeral services will be held on March 12th, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Havana, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the services. Rev. Ian Heinze will officiate. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery, in Havana. Military rites will be provided by VFW Post #6408 and American Legion Post #138 – Havana.
Memorial contributions may be made to Adams Point Assisted Living, in Quincy, or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, in Havana. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home, in Havana, is in charge of arrangements.