Robert "Bob" E. Sawdey

Robert “Bob” Edward Sawdey, much-loved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of Rockton, IL, age 92, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on November 27, 2025. 

Bob was born August 29, 1933, in Mellen, Wisconsin, to Everett and Edna (Drexel) Sawdey. He proudly served as a radio operator in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956 as an Airman First Class stationed for a time in Iwo Jima, Japan. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve from 1956 to 1960. 

Bob met the love of his life, Earnestine Simpson, while working as an engineer at National Lock Company in Rockford, where they were both employed. They were married on June 28, 1958, in Rockford, and together they made their home in Rockton, where they raised their two daughters and shared 67 years of marriage. He continued working as an industrial and packaging engineer at Sundstrand and Barber Coleman in Rockford.

Bob retired in 1995 to pursue his hobbies, including woodworking and stained glass. He created many wood pieces, including grandfather clocks, wooden side tables, several wooden model cars and trucks, birdhouses, cedar chests for his daughters, and rocking chairs for his grandkids. He also made dozens of handmade wooden mantel clocks in his workshop, giving them as gifts for family and friends to cherish.

He continued to take annual vacations to his hometown in northern Wisconsin to share his love of fishing and camping at Wildwood Haven Resort on Long Lake with his grandkids.

Bob loved the Green Bay Packers football team - especially when they beat the Chicago Bears!

He is survived by his wife, Earnestine Sawdey of Rockton, IL; two daughters, Janet (Brian) Rosborough of Ottawa, IL, Carol (Neil) O’Rourke of Downers Grove, IL; grandchildren, Caitlin Rosborough, Ben (Ashley) Rosborough, and Liana O’Rourke; one great-granddaughter, Riley Rosborough, and another great-granddaughter on the way! Bob was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and one granddaughter, Amanda Rosborough, in infancy.

Janet and Carol, and their families, are grateful for the kindness and compassion shown to Bob in his last few days by the staff of OSF Hospice and sincerely thank them for their care.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to Honquest Funeral Home. Burial will be at a later date.

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