Robert Dean "Bobby" Von Boeckman Jr.

Born January 13, 1960 in Highland Park to Robert Dean and Loretta Janette (Schabatka) Von Boeckman, Sr., he married Patricia S. “Patti” Melton on April 5, 1980 in Pekin. She survives.

Also surviving are his mother, Loretta Woods of Pekin; one son, Dylan Von Boeckman of Normal; one brother, Matthew Von Boeckman of Melbourne, Florida; two sisters, Teri (Julio) Puentes of Miramar, Florida and Christy Carr of Melbourne, Florida and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; his stepfather, Hershel Woods and two brothers, Randy Jo Von Boeckman and Daniel “Danny” Von Boeckman.

Bobby began working for Sherex in Mapleton in 1981 and worked in the chemical industry until last working with Degussa Goldschmidt in 2006. He then worked as an outside contractor traveling the country from New York to California working in steel mills and as a millwright and also on oil rigs in Texas. He was a former member and union steward of the Oil, Atomic and Chemical Workers Union.

Bobby was an avid motorcycle rider and was a member of the Restless Breed Motorcycle Club. He was the type of person who went to great lengths to brighten your mood by telling a joke. He also was known to enjoy pulling off a good prank on others. He liked traveling and tending to his garden, especially raising rhubarb.

His memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Greg Ristich will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded.

Memorial contributions may be made to his family.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com