Robert C. Whitson

Robert Courtland Whitson, a proud veteran of the Marine Corp., passed away peacefully on Monday, May 1, 2023 with his family by his side after a short illness.  He was born on May 30, 1934 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Courtland and Minnie Whitson.

Bob attended school and worked in Rockford his entire life.  He retired from Ingersoll as a maintenance technician.  Bob was an avid Bears fan and even attended several games in the freezing cold.  He enjoyed watching his football games, going to air shows and spending time with his family.  He was always there to offer a helping hand.

He joined the Marine Corp. in 1953, serving in the Korean Conflict and Japan.  He received an honorable discharge in 1956.

Bob married Madeline Bernardo in 1958 in Rockford.  Bob was loved and will be missed by his wife of 64 years; their four children, Gregory, Michael (Sandy), Robert (Christine) and Tina (Raymond) Bohlin; grandchildren, Brandy, Josh, Kevin and Emil; three great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; sister, Marcia; sister-in-law, Jenny; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Reginald, Richard and Roger; and sisters, Pat, Dona and Carol.

The family wishes to thank the staff at TLC Community Living and Transition Hospice for their care for Bob in his final days.

Memorial service will be at 11:30am with military honors on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.  A visitation will be from 10:30am to 11:30am.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert C. Whitson, please visit our floral store.