- Date Of Birth: November 1, 1930
- Date Of Death: July 30, 2021
- State: Illinois
Robert (Bob) Cooley, 90, Galesburg, died at 11:22 am on Friday, July 30, 2021, at home. He was born November 1, 1930, in Galesburg, the son of Mildred (Dugger) and William Cooley.
He was raised and educated in Galesburg. He joined the army in 1948. Bob married Vivian (Brittingham) Cooley on November 20, 1954, at the First United Methodist Church in Galesburg, IL.
Bob served in the army for 20 years. He served in Korea and Vietnam. Bob and Vivian lived in Colorado, Illinois, California, Washington, Germany, and Wisconsin. Upon retiring from the Army, Bob and Vivian moved back to Galesburg and enjoyed living close to family.
Bob was a partner at Fesler Tire Center and he owned Galesburg Salvage and Iron retiring in 1993.
Bob was a member at Lake Bracken County Club and Bunker Links for many years. He enjoyed playing golf, socializing, and vacationing with friends. He also looked forward to Cooley reunions in the summer hosting several at Lake Bracken and his home. Throughout his life Bob made time to visit family and welcome them in his home. He traveled many miles to make it to his grandchildren’s activities. He also brought his camera along to capture the memories. Nieces and nephews have described him as the person they aspired to be like as a parent and grandparent.
Survivors include his children, Mike (Lynn) Cooley of Massillon, Ohio and Diane (Brad) Wunder of Knoxville; four grandchildren, Jenny (Ben) Bredemeier of Galesburg, Jamie Marks (Matt Angell) of Massillon, Ohio, Bobby Wunder of Davenport, Iowa, and Scott (Denise) Cooley of Dover, Ohio; 7 great-grandchildren, Cole, Emily, Ella, Max, Scarlett, Reagan, and Caroline; Special nieces: Marci (Rick) Hogan and Alexis Hogan; sisters Marjorie Osborne of Denver, Colorado and Beverly Hix of Galesburg.; and a special cousin: Jack Cooley, Wataga. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins all who he cared deeply about; and two sisters-in-law, Karen Brittingham of Galesburg and Janet Cooley of Florida. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Cooley; and brothers, Donald Cooley and Richard Cooley.
