Robert M. Beale

Robert M. Beale   Robert M. Beale, 89, a lifelong resident of Rockford, went to be with the Lord on January 19, 2009 in Provena St. Anne Center, surrounded by his family.  Robert was born November 17, 1919 in Rockford, the son of Harold W. and Mary (Long) Beale.  Robert married Barbara Raup on October 11, 1947 in Rockford.   Robert attended Rockford Central High School and graduated in 1939.  He was a   US Army Air Corps veteran of WW II, having served at March Field in Riverside, California and Hickam Field in Hawaii.  He joined his father in 1945 at Rockford Cement Products Company, retiring in 2000. Through his long hours of work he always found time to spend with his family.  Robert was a member of Heartland Community Church and former member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club.  He loved sailing and traveling (having traveled to every continent) and was a quiet and compassionate man.   Robert is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Mary Beale, Robert C. (Ricky) Beale and Anne (Kurt) Schaefer; grandchildren, Jeremy (Sarah) Beale, Jennifer (Daniel) Lyons, Benjamin (Fianca©, Jane Heslinga) Schaefer and Elizabeth Schaefer; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Molly and Joshua Beale and Lydia and Luke Lyons; sister-in-law, Norma L. Beale and three nieces, Ginny, Laura and Betsy.  Robert was predeceased by his parents and his brother, John A. Beale.   A memorial service will be celebrated on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Road, Rockford, with Pastor Gordy Smith officiating.  Burial will take place privately in New Milford Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10 A.M. until time of service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Community Church Compassion Fund, 1280 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford, IL 61108.  Family and friends may