Harold "Bob" Falkenstein

Harold Robert (Bob) Falkenstein

Harold Robert (Bob) Falkenstein of Belvidere, passed away on October 13, 2017 at Cherryvale Place in Rockford. Bob was born February 13, 1931 in Astoria, IL., to Harold D. and Lelah (Seitzinger) Falkenstein. He graduated from Belvidere High School in 1949 and married Shirley Luckow on January 28, 1951. Bob played Triple-A Baseball for the Washington Senators as a “South Paw” pitcher. When he and Shirley didn't like being separated, he took a job selling Sta Rite milking machines before acquiring his Realtors License and opening Falkenstein Realtors in Belvidere. In 1994 he was elected as the Belvidere Township Assessor and held that position until 2010 when he retired. Bob was a master at gardening, sharing his abundant produce with family and friends. Bob loved to hunt in his younger years and raised and bred his beloved bird dog Maude, who produced many litters of puppies. He was a Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. Bob was a member of the IOU club for many years, becoming a Honorary Life Time Member when moving out of town. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley, of 66 years, son, William “Butch” (Jackie) Falkenstein of Rock Falls, Bonnie Brown of Belvidere, Brenda (Brad) Larson of Belvidere; grandchildren, Chad Schabacker of CA, Travis (Becky Sherwood) Akers of Kirkland, Dr. Erin (Brad) Graves of Sterling, Nathan (Leah) Falkenstein of California, Scott (Tracy Martin) Brown of Belvidere, Todd (Amy) Brown of Belvidere, 9 great-grandchildren; Tyler, Isaac, Alex and Derek Schabacker, Jack and Sydney Graves, Chase and Kaylee Akers and Sam Brown. Predeceased by his parents; his sister, Joan (Jim) Ryman; son-in-law, Mickey Brown and great-grandchild Tanner Schabacker. Per his wishes, Bob will be cremated with a private burial in the Belvidere Cemetery at a later date. A celebration of his life will be held at the Belvidere VFW Post 1461, 1310 W. Lincoln Ave. Belvidere, IL on Wednesday October 25 from 5-8 P.M. Memorials will be given to the Belvidere IOU Club. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford chapel assisted the family. Express online condolences at: www.fitzgeraldfh.com