Robert `Bob` Greene Obituary (1927 - 2011)

Loyal Family Man Robert Edwin Greene, 84, of Durand went home to be with the Lord at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 8, 2011 surrounded by his family after a valiant fight with Parkinson’s Disease. Born June 4, 1927 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of Everett K. & Mabel (Sievert) Greene. Lived all his years in rural Durand, except for time in the Navy and college. Married to the former Betty J. Perry in Waterman, Illinois on August 13, 1949. Enlisted in the Navy in 1945. Was in the Navy V-12 R.O.T.C. program at the University of Utah where he graduated with majors in history & psychology. Earned a Master’s Degree in Earth Science from Northern Illinois University in 1959 and a Ph.D. in Urban Education at the University of Wisconsin in 1978. Taught at Whig Hill and Marsh Schools in Rockford and at Dakota High School before serving as principal at Guilford Center School; served as Winnebago County Superintendent of Schools from 1967-71; served as principal at Haskell Elementary School from 1971-1986, where he was instrumental in the establishment of the Terry Lee Wells Memorial Park. He was also principal at Garrison Elementary School from 1984-1986. Upon retirement he lovingly worked the family farm and raised beef cattle. He enjoyed dancing, politics, recording family history, conservation and environmental education and travel. Was a charter member of the Durand Lions Club, former precinct committeeman, was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church of Durand and attended Faith Community Church in Davis. Survivors include his wife Betty; children Linda Greene, Rockford, Larry (Anne) Greene, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Laurie (Ronald) Clark, Denver, Colorado, Lisa (Jack) Walsh, Lake Summerset and Janet (Buck)Wagner, Lafayette, Indiana; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Louise Wegner, Lake Summerset and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers Charles, Elmo, Ellis and Glenn. Special thanks to Dr. Gray, Dr. Edwards, the staff at Medina Nursing Center and Hospice Care of America in Pecatonica for their kind and compassionate care. Funeral ceremonies will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 13, 2011 in Faith Community Church, 212 W McKimmy, Davis, Illinois with Pastor Bob Kolb officiating. Burial in Oakland Cemetery, Durand, Illinois. Visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home, 101 Main Street, Durand, Illinois from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 12. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established by the family.