Robert C. “Bob” Wallinger, age 79, of 9808 County 513 T Road; Rapid River, died Saturday, March 24th, 2007 at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers where he was a patient for the previous four years.

Bob was born December 28th, 1927 the son of Harley and Cora (Hinkel) Wallinger in Pekin, Illinois and was raised in that area. After high school, he was drafted into the U.S. Army near the end of World War II and was stationed in the Pacific Theater. After his honorable discharge, he returned stateside and was employed in sugar processing in his brother’s business for a brief period of time. Bob subsequently re-entered military service with the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at various locations throughout the United States and the world, including the KI Air Force Base in Gwinn towards the end of his combined 20 year military career.

Other facets to his working life, included being self-employed as a distributor in janitorial supplies as well as being employed for “Dayco Corp” in light bulb distributorship.    

Bob married the former Edna M. “Terry” Horvath on June 12th, 1999 at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone and they made their home in the Rapid River area where they both previously resided.
Bob was an active member of the Grace Baptist Church where he had proudly served as an usher and he was a member of the Rapid River American Legion Walter W. Cole Post #301.

Hunting, fishing, reading, and watching western television movies were among of his favorite past-times.

In addition to his wife, “Terry”, Bob Walinger’s survivors include:

2 Sons- James Lee Wallinger of Marion, Ill.; Charles D. Wallinger of Marion, Ill.

1 Daughter- Janice (Ernie) Nickens of Freeman Spur, Ill

1 Sister-Frances Talbott of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

6 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Harley, Jr.; and three sisters, Helen, Pauline, and Dorothy.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with Military Rites being conducted at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home by the Rapid River American Legion. Visitation will also be held again on Thursday at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Services celebrating Bob’s life will follow on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at the Grace Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Stephen Patrick officiating. Luncheon will follow serves at the Grace Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery; Wells.

The Skradski-Boyce Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Wallinger family