Robert "Bob" P. Bushey Sr.

Robert P. “Bob” Bushey, Sr., 81 of Kankakee died Sunday, March 8, 2015 at River North of Bradley surrounded by family and loved ones. Visitation will be held 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2015 at Clancy-Gernon-Hertz Funeral Home, 1480 W. Court St., Kankakee. A visitation will also be held from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Celebration of Life Service on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 310 Main St. NW, Bourbonnais. The Rev. Robert Bushey, Jr., officiating. Interment will follow at Kankakee Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Aroma Township. He was born July 8, 1933 in Kankakee, the son of Lawrence & Sarah Katherine Gilbert Bushey. Bob served in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Operations and Intelligence Specialist in 31st Infantry in the Korean War from 1953-1955. Bob married Janet E. Pfeffinger September 28, 1955 in Kankakee. They enjoyed fifty-nine years of marriage and family. He was a heavy equipment operator and truck driver before operating steel presses for nearly 30 years for the Kankakee Roper Stove Co. He also worked for Kenneth R. Hartman Construction Co., Michelich Septic Service, F & S Construction, and as a truck driver for Luehr’s Ideal Rides & Amusements. He retired in 1995. Bob was an active member and Diaconate Emeritus of Central Christian Church, Bourbonnais. He served as a Diaconate, an Elder, as Property Chairman, and was a member of the Chancel Choir. He was a member of the Kankakee American Legion Post #85, where he called Bingo for several years. He was a past member of the Kankakee Moose Lodge and the Teamsters International. Bob enjoyed family gatherings, gardening, nature, designing, building and repairing anything. He loved good conversation, a game of cards, traveling, and attending his grandchildren’s activities. Surviving are his wife, Janet E. Bushey of Kankakee; three sons and three daughters-in-law, Laurence “Larry” & Vickie Bushey of Bourbonnais, James & Christine Bushey of Kankakee, and the Rev. Robert & Teri Bushey of Kankakee; nine grandchildren, Eddie (Heather) Jones, Vernette (Kurt) Karnes, Jim Bushey, Justin Bushey, Jason Bushey, Keith (Ivy) Aldridge, Katelyn Bushey, Joshua Bushey, and Nicholas Bushey; three great-grandchildren, Trevor Karnes, Tori Karnes, and Cameron Aldridge; one sister, Evelyn Surprenant of Momence; two brothers-in-law, Kaywin (Eva) Pfeffinger, and George Pfeffinger; three sisters-in-law, Brenda Bushey, Joyce Bushey, and Judy Pfeffinger; and dozens of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, John Wayne; an infant daughter, Susan Marie; one sister, Evangeline Kadow Quick; three brothers, Arthur “Lee” Bushey, Rodney Bushey, and Dennis “Mike” Bushey; three brothers-in-law, Tony Surprenant, Norman Kadow, and Dwayne Pfeffinger; and two sisters-in-law, Carol Bushey and Christine Pfeffinger. The family wishes to thank the Limestone Fire Department EMS, Hospice of Kankakee Valley, and the staff of River North Health & Rehabilitation Center of Bradley for their excellent care of Bob. Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to Central Christian Church of Bourbonnais.

Robert "Bob" P. Bushey Sr.

July 8, 1933 - March 8, 2015