Robert "Butch" Frank Grabow Jr.

Robert "Butch" Frank Grabow Jr., 74, passed away on Saturday, April 15th, 2023, at UW Health University Wisconsin surrounded by his beloved family after a short battle with melanoma cancer. Despite the discomfort, Butch reminded his family how much they were loved until the end. He was born on October 10th, 1948, to Robert and Lilas Grabow in Oregon, Illinois. Butch graduated from Freeport High School in 1966. After graduating, he worked at W.E. Kautenberg Co. in Freeport, IL until its closure. On July 23rd, 1982, Butch married the love of his life, Lana Grabow, in Rockton, IL; and together, they raised a blended family. His proudest achievement in life was being a father. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Butch. He loved quiet weekdays playing euchre with friends, usually watching the Chicago Cubs or Bears, or gazing at his 1978 yellow Chevy Nova. At the same time, he also found entertainment on loud weekends cheering on his favorite racers at the dirt track. Butch always offered a helping hand by being a mechanic and carpenter by trade. His grandkids would often say, "If Grandpa can't fix it, nobody can". His family will remember him as someone who would never ask twice and always be there. This included being at every extra-curricular activity of his grandkids and great-grandkids, rain or shine. His quick wit was always entertaining and brought smiles to those around him.

Butch will be greatly missed by his wife, Lana; his three daughters, Robin (Billy) Bare, Toni (Ken) Eichholz, Kristie (Steve) Morgan, and two sons, Todd Schoville and Chad Schoville; thirteen grandchildren, multiple great-grandchildren, and sister, Diana (John) Kilday.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

A visitation will be held Thursday, April 20th, 2023, from 4pm-7pm at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church 9030 North Afolkey Avenue Afolkey, IL. The funeral service will be held the next day on Friday, April 21st, 2023, at Grace Evangelical Congregational Church beginning after a brief visitation from 10am-11am, burial proceeding at Oakland Cemetery Freeport, IL. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Butch's name.