Robert M. Haney

Robert “Bob” Melvin Haney, 77, of Rockford, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. He was born on April 8, 1947, in Waukegan, IL, the son of Melvin and Wilma (Lange) Haney. Bob grew up in the Rockford and Loves Park areas.

Bob had three children from his first marriage: Andrew, Janice, and Daniel. He married Mary Jo Boettcher on June 30, 1977. Together, they had two sons: Robert and Joseph. Bob and Mary enjoyed many years watching their blended family grow, later celebrating the addition of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, and grandpa. Bob was an avid reader of books on math and physics, but held a curiosity for all things unknown, including the realm of the spirit and the mystery of life. He also enjoyed going to movies, listening to live music, attending the theater, and dining out, especially with family and friends.

From a very young age, Bob had an interest in math and science and knew he wanted to become an electrical engineer. He graduated from Harlem High School in 1965 and went on to attend General Motors Institute (now Kettering University), where he earned a BSEE degree. Bob continued his education and earned an MSEE at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.

For many years, Bob worked for Collins Aerospace (Sundstrand) and as a consulting engineer through his own small business, Robert Haney & Associates. Bob was a long-time consultant for Delta Power Company, working part-time until he fell ill in July. He was also a teacher of electronics and mathematics at local colleges. Bob held a patent for a tractor control system, which was assigned to J.I. Case, and was a published author of the textbook Solenoid Control, Testing, and Servicing. He was an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Bob is survived by his wife Mary; his children, Andrew Haney, Janice (Haney) Steele, Daniel Haney, Robert D. Haney, and Joseph (Katie) Haney; his grandchildren, Nicole Steele, Savanna Steele, William Haney, and Penelope “Penny” Haney; and great-grandchildren Spencer, Violet, and Rose. He is also survived by his brothers Marty (Sandy) Haney, Larry (Kathy) Haney, Rick (Bonnie) Haney; his sister Vicki (Steve) Swanson; his mother-in-law Joan Boettcher; and sister-in-law Linda (Jim) Schou, and brothers-in-law Dave (Gina) Boettcher, Rob (Brenda) Boettcher, and John (Julie) Boettcher. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Wilma, and by his father-in-law, Douglas Boettcher.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the physicians and nursing staff who took such excellent care of Bob during his final days in the ICU. We offer a special thank you to Julie Bredlau, APRN, of OSF Cardiology, for her continual care over the last seven months. Her availability day and night provided great comfort to the family.

There will be a small, private viewing for Bob’s immediate family. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bob’s name to the American Heart Association, Rockford Rescue Mission, or to Community Building Art Works, which is a Veterans Arts organization that holds great importance to the family.