Robert "Bob" J. Fluegel, 91, of Taylor Ridge, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at his residence, surrounded by his family and parish priest.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 am on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Andalusia.  Visitation will be held from 5 pm to 8 pm on Friday, August 25, 2017 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 E. 4th Ave., Milan, with a rosary recited at 5 pm.  Entombment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island.  Memorials may be made to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Andalusia or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Bob was born on August 30, 1925 in Rock Island, the son of Francis and Clementine (Timmerman) Fluegel.  He married Phyllis Bush on October 16, 1945 at the former St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Rock Island.  Bob graduated from Rock Island High School in 1943.  Bob was a milk distributor for most of his adult life: first delivering to homes in Rock Island, then switching to wholesale delivery.  He did this with his brother, Tom, until his retirement in 2010.  Bob also worked on the family farm for all of his adult life.

Bob was a devoted member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Andalusia, which sits on ground the Fluegels used to farm.  He was a member of the Divco Club of America, the Farm Bureau, and NRA.  Bob received the Integrity Award in 2000 from the Better Business Bureau.  He enjoyed farming and gardening and grew beautiful gladiolas.  Bob was very proud of being able to build his own home.

Bob is survived by his wife of 71 years, Phyllis Fluegel, Taylor Ridge; children, Carol Fluegel, Taylor Ridge and Helen (Jim) Bloome, Port Byron; brother, Tom Fluegel, Taylor Ridge; grandchildren, Jennifer Staib, Coralville, IA, Lee Bloome, Chatham, IL, and Chris Bloome, Liverpool, NY; great grandchildren, Matt Staib, Catherine Staib, Rebecca Staib, Cassie Staib, Anna Staib, and Julianna Bloome.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Bloome.