Robert "Bob" S. Lehew

Robert Samuel LeHew was born February 16, 1944 in Dubuque Iowa. Son of Robert & Lyla LeHew. Grew up on a small farm in Clayton Iowa where fond memories included his pony, his dog Skippy and milking his favorite cow, Irma. Moved to Indiana when he was 12. One of his first jobs was caddying and later he worked as a carhop at the Steak and Shake. His family moved to Rockford the summer before his senior year and after Auburn High School he joined the United States Air Force. He was a member of the military police serving 18 months on the Island of Crete and another 18 months in Okinawa.

Returning to Rockford in 1966, he got a job as an assistant manager at GAC Finance. While working there he met his wife Marjorie. He was told they wanted to transfer him to Peoria. He was driving across the Walnut Street Bridge contemplating what to do, when he heard a radio advertisement that the Rockford Fire Department was hiring radio operators. He looked up and there he was right in front of Station 1. He went inside and was hired. Bob went on to work for The Rockford Fire Department for 27 years. He made many friends within his fire department family and created great memories that lasted a lifetime.

After retiring from the Fire Department, he went to work at Rockford Memorial for 18 years in the radio room. Here his circle of friends grew and many stories were born from crazy nights in the ER. After finally retiring, when someone asked him what he used to do he would say “I told people where to go for 45 years”.

Bob married Marjorie and had a wonderful life with her for 52 years. They were able to travel to Acapulco, New Zealand for a family wedding, Cabo, Cancun, Lima Peru, Hawaii, Ireland, England, and Wales. They loved to cruise and enjoyed adventures to the Panama Canal and all over the Caribbean. He especially enjoyed their road trips with Bill and Carla, and Gene & Pat. We never went hungry on those road trips.

Bob was especially proud of his three daughters who he loved very much. When asked if he was disappointed that the third child was another girl he just laughed and said “You know daughters love their Dad the most and they will always be Daddy’s girls.”

He was a hard worker who often worked two jobs so that Marge could stay at home and raise the girls. While a busy man, he volunteered for many things: 27 years with the New Milford Fire Department, the Knights of Columbus Klowns for Charity, a CPR Instructor, 10 years on the Board of Directors of the Rockford Municipal Credit Union, served on the Board of Rockford Firefighters Relief Association ending his term with them as president, he volunteered in many capacities at St. Edward´s Catholic Church including in the choir, as a lector, and an Eucharist minister, he served on the St. Edward´s School Board, and was Booster Club President where he made “the best lifelong friends”.

Bob loved to read. He always had a book in his hand. Later years the Kindle was always with him. He loved to play golf with his buddy Steve. He was on the Knights of Columbus Golf League and enjoyed the International Golf Tournaments they had every year. He said golf was a place to relax, be with friends, and enjoy a good cigar. He really liked the fact that he had lived in the same house for 49 years and used to know everyone in the neighborhood. He loved card nights with the Sorensen’s, Friday night dinners and always said it was pretty special to have The Paluzzi’s across the street, their family was his family.

He leaves behind his wife, best friend of 52 years, Marjorie. Three daughters Mary Beth (Scott) Laubenstein, Barbara Nicho, and Kelly (Jeremy) Largent. Nine grandchildren (he finally got his boys), Dawson, Gretchen, Alex and Veronica Laubenstein, Sam and Magali Nicho, Matthew, Andrew and Molly Largent. Sisters Faye (Ed) VanVleet, Kathy (Ben) Sammons and Jackie (Steve) Williams and 22 nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his mother (Lyla) and father (Robert), nephew Josh and niece Kimberly.

Bob made a friend wherever he went and could talk to a stranger for hours. He will miss you all, kiddos.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 18 from 4-6 pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church on Thursday, November 19, at 10:30 am. Burial will be in New Milford Cemetery immediately following the Mass. Those in attendance for any event will be required to wear masks and social distance. Send condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.