Robert R. “Bob” Field passed away at his home outside of Liberty, IL at 12:55 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. He was in the company of many loving family members, and in the care of the folks from hospice.

He had celebrated his 90th birthday in March of this year with a grand party, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his brother and sister-in-law, and several nieces, nephews and friends.

Bob was born on March 6, 1927 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Clement Albert “Clem” and Marie Catherine (Roche) Field. He proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II, having attended his high school graduation from Riverside High School in Milwaukee in his full Navy uniform, after having enlisted before his senior year of high school had concluded. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946, and attended Marquette University. He married Eleanore Rose Schwabe at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Milwaukee, WI on September 8, 1951. She preceded him in death on April 26, 2004.

Survivors include his son, Daniel “Dan” (Linda) Field of Clearwater, Florida; daughter Catherine “Cathy” Field of Carbondale, Illinois; daughter Therese “Terri” Wiley of Auburn, Georgia; daughter Elizabeth “Betsy” VanDeVelde of Liberty, Illinois; daughter Constance “Connie” (Phil) Kennedy of Daphne, Alabama; son Richard “Rich” (Karen) Field of Andover, Minnesota; and son Mark (Michelle) Field of Liberty, Illinois. He is also survived by his youngest brother, Dick (Dorothy) Field, of Watertown, Wisconsin.

Also surviving are many grandchildren: Patti, Robin, and Matt (Mandy) Field; Dennis, Gerald and William Field; Claire Hughes (Chris Kleinlein) and MK “Katie” Hughes; Christopher (Bonnie) Pyle and Corinne (Andrew) Dart; Neil (Jennie) VanDeVelde, Jason (Heather) VanDeVelde and Meg (Ken) Mitchell; Brian (Samantha) Kennedy, Aaron, Colleen, Ellie, and Michael (Grace) Kennedy; Richie (Amanda) Field, Ryan, Kenny, and Kyle (Ania) Field, Timothy, Patrick and Kevin Field; Christie, Bobby, Abbi and Alli Field, and 33 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, with whom he celebrated 52 1/2 years of marriage before her passing in 2004, Bob was also preceded in death by his eldest son, Thomas Robert Field; a son-in-law, Everett (E.G.) Hughes; a brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Catherine Field; an infant grandson, Michael Gerard Field; and an infant great-granddaughter, Hannah Field.

Bob started his career in finance as a territory representative for GMAC in Milwaukee in the 1950’s, and the first four of his children were born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee. He was then transferred by GMAC to live in Galesburg, Illinois and the younger four children were born to Bob and Ellie at St. Mary’s Hospital there. It was in Galesburg when Bob became active as an adult leader for Boy Scout Troop #231. He later served as a district chairman for the Boy Scouts of America. In 1969, he joined the staff of the State Bank of Annawan, Illinois, as he moved his family to Kewanee, Illinois that summer. In 1971, he joined the staff of the Kewanee National Bank, and he became quite active in community service there, having served as president of the Kewanee Chamber of Commerce and its Ambassador’s Club, Chairman of the United Way, and a member of the Rotary Club, among many other church and civic organizations and involvement with community projects. It was in 1981 that he moved to rural Hannibal, Missouri and joined the Palmyra State Bank as Executive Vice President. In May of 1984, he purchased the controlling interest in The Farmers Bank of Liberty, where he served as President until 1990. He retired in 1992, but he retained the title of Chairman of the Board until 1995. He continued to serve on the bank’s board until his passing, and he even attended the bank’s board meeting the week before the Lord called him home. He was the quintessential community banker, always putting community and customers ahead of himself.

He was a proud member of the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, St. Brigid’s Catholic Church, the National Rifle Association, and a former member of The Liberty Lions Club. For many years he was an active member of the Community Bankers Association of Illinois and the Independent Community Bankers of America, regularly attending national meetings and Washington, D.C. conferences on behalf of his industry. Other interests included woodworking in his shop and he always looked forward to his annual trips to Canada for walleye fishing.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty, IL officiated by Rev. Jeff Stone.

Visitation will be Sunday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at St. Brigid Church.
Interment will be at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI. Visitation will begin at the Mt. Olivet Chapel at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 29, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials being directed to the Liberty Education Foundation or St. Brigid’s Church.

Duker and Haugh Funeral Home is handling arrangements.