Bob Lee Harkness

Bob Lee Harkness, 1937-2024, of Freeport, IL, died on May 5 at 2:52 pm. just 4 days short of his 87th birthday. Bob was born in Hanover, IL on May 09, 1937, the son of Daniel B. and Jessie R. (Smith) Harkness. He attended and graduated from Hanover High School, in 1955, and was drafted into the Army with the 1st division’s 12th infantry in Fort Riley, Kansas, where he served in Korea. Upon returning to the states, he worked construction of all types with Dwight Miller of Hanover, before joining the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 23. He received his 50-year pin from the union in 2018. Bob retired from the union in 1999, and became the plumbing inspector for the City of Freeport for several years. Bob was united in marriage on November 28, 1970 to his wife of 54 years, Rose Anne Deininger at Westminister Presbyterian Church in Galena.

He spent a lifetime teaching himself woodworking, building boats, clocks, furniture, not only for his own home, but those of his children, and anyone else who needed something made or fixed. He also built the family home when he moved to Freeport. He was a Cubs and Bears fan, rarely missing a game, especially when they played the rival, Green Bay Packers. He and Rose spent many winters in Arizona during the winter months. He was a member of The Evergreen Lodge in Hanover, Scottish Rites Masonic Temple in Freeport, and Tebala Temple of Rockford, and Park Hills Evangelical Free Church. He was proud of his family, his faith, and his country. Bob was a unique man, who listened to people instead of talking. He was a great man who ran a good race, and will be very much missed.

Bob is lovingly survived by his wife, Rose of 54 years, four sons, Brian (Sara) Harkness of Rockford, along with their two daughters, Gracie and Kathryn; Bradley Harkness of Winnebago, Daniel (Courtney) Harkness of Kirkland, along with their two boys Oliver and Dylan; and David (Wende Leverton) Harkness of Chicago, a niece, Jeannine Schaal of Denver Colorado, and a great niece, Lisa Robinson, Castle Rock, Colorado. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Janette (Stan) Schaal of Littleton, CO. and Betty Harkness, his twin, from Hanover, father and mother-in laws, Willis and Alma Deininger, 2 brother-in-laws, Les and Bill Deininger of Galena, Kenny Flack from East Dubuque, a sister-in-law, Carolyn Deininger of Galena, one niece, Karen Schaal Quinn of Englewood, CO, two nephews, Steve and Paul Deininger, one great nephew, Chad Bautsch, and one great niece, Amanda Deininger.

A celebration of Bob’s life is scheduled on Saturday May 11, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. in Freeport at Park Hills Evangelical Church, 2525 W Stephenson Street, with a visitation from 10:30 A.M. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow the memorial service at church. Interment of ashes will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be directed towards the All Veterans Memorial Park of Stephenson County or the Shriner’s Hospital. Condolences may be shared at www.burketubbs.com. The family wishes to thank FHN’s Dr. Pedersen and her staff for years of care and compassion towards Bob, and also to FHN Hospice Care of Freeport for all their support and comfort.