Robert Stephens

Robert A. Stephens, 84, of East Moline, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 10, at Illini Restorative Care Center, Silvis. A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Schroder Mortuary, Silvis. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the mortuary. Burial will be at Moline Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family. Robert was born on Jan. 28, 1930, in Cambridge, the son of Merton and Josephine Metz Stephens. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Robert married Clara Rygg on May 18, 1951, in East Moline. He worked 21 years at Oscar Mayer followed by 10 years at South Park Mall. He spent 13 years in Naples, Fla., retiring from Publix in 2007, before returning to East Moline. Robert was a member and past post commander of the color guard at East Moline American Legion Post 227, East Moline VFW, the Keg Gun Club and the East Moline Eagles Club. He enjoyed fishing and bowling and was a Chicago Bears and NASCAR fan. Survivors include his wife Clara; daughters, Debra (Jeff Thiessen) Banaszek, Rock Island, and Jill Sodeman Stephens, East Moline; granddaughter, Alissa Banaszek; special great-nephew, Stephen Orr and great-niece, Amber Orr; brother Gene Stephens, Oklahoma; sister Nancy Oppendike, East Moline; special sister-in-law, Bridgette Cook; and nephew, Larry Stickel. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dale and Richard; sister, Dorothy Stickel; and a nephew, Alan Oppendike.