Robert Christensen

Robert F. (Bob) Christensen (76) was born on June 27th, 1947 in the United States Navy Hospital in Long Beach, California; The son of Charles F. and Audrie (Skinner) Christensen. Upon his father's discharge from the U.S. Navy, the family relocated to Freeport, IL, where Bob spent most of his life, with the exception of college years at McMurray College in Jacksonville, serving the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict and in Springfield, IL working on his master’s in business administration and preventative medicine.

Upon returning to his hometown, it took a trip to Monroe, Wisconsin in 1972 to meet and eventually marry the "spunky Irish girl that lived next door" in Freeport. A true partnership was formed. Bob and Margaret Ann (Marg) Dower were married December 14th, 1973 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Freeport. On December 9th, 2023 they received a blessing from Father Peter Snieg celebrating their 50th anniversary surrounded by a gathering of family, friends, and their parish family at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic church. A private social gathering was held at Cimino's restaurant courtesy of their Cimino family. Honored guests were the original wedding party.

Bob and Marg were the proud parents of two sons; Kevin (Jennifer) of Dunlap, IL and Cory Dower Christensen of Freeport. Their greatest gift given to them was that of the "Great Eight" grandchildren; Braden Robert, Ryder Charles, Campbell Patrick, Scarlett Rose of Dunlap and Draeden Joel, Cole Mikael, Kylie Noel and Parker Eli of Freeport.

Also surviving Bob is brother David Christensen of Dublin Ohio, and sister Karla (Gary) Underwood of St. Albans, W. Virginia., their children and grandchildren. Brother and sister-in-law Johnnie and Mickey Dower and sister-in-law JoAnn Baker of Freeport, their children, grand and great-grandchildren-all of whom were a huge part of his life. He was so proud to be able to say he was Uncle Bob. He would travel many states to be part of their lives and, in return, they reversed roles the past few years.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Larry and Alice Dower, Sister-in-law Mary Alice (Dower) Balles, Brother-in-laws, Jack Balles and Charlie Baker; Nephew Little Larry Dower; Great nephews Danny Santisteven, and Cory Baker. Along with these named, beloved aunts and uncles, numerous friends, and colleagues.

Together Bob and Marg truly believed there was no better community than that of their hometown. They had no problem supporting where they could, "We take, we give back."

Throughout his life, Bob had always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. He owned and operated Partners in Maintenance Fasteners Company. Following Partners, his true business pride came in the form of being a franchise owner of Two Men and a Truck Kevcor Services Inc. Franchises are located in Loves Park (Northern Illinois), Peoria, and the Quad Cities. Bob is partnered with his own Two Men, Kevin and Cory, who will keep his legacy moving forward.

Bob is credited for moving his people forward with encouragement, backing and leadership. Several have gone on through his mentoring to own their own franchises in various states. He believed strongly in using local banks and business to further his company. “Keep it where they call you one of their own,” he said.

Bob's main enjoyment in life was sports. He was a teaching tennis pro, many times tournament champion, and at 55 years-old he was ranked #2 for several years in the Midwest region. He was a member of the USTA. Bob strongly believed in youth sports and education. He taught business several years part-time at Highland Community College. He coached soccer, tennis, Little League, CBA Basketball and was the founder and coach of the Aquin Junior wrestling club- which included Freeport 145 and Dakota. A strong Aquin supporter, Bob has greatly contributed to the home of the Bulldogs. He was grateful for a solid education being a Freeport Pretzel, but proudly wore the blue and gold for his sons, Aquin family, and now grandchildren. In later years, he would follow the great eight to various towns and states watching club ball. Freeport STIX and THUNDERSTIX was his latest form of entertainment along with Dunlap baseball, basketball, football, cheerleading and dance. A morning gathering of the "Romeos" at McDonalds for years began his day solving the world and local problems.

For the last three years Bob put up a courageous battle with cancer. As late as the week of December 18th he was willing to explore treatments and procedures to keep in his words, "the life he never wanted to leave." Bob passed away in the early morning of January 6th at FHN surround by his family, nieces and nephews. The family sends out their gratitude to FHN Cancer Center, FHN Hospice, Third floor East nurses and staff, Father Peter Snieg and Deacon Steve Pospichil for the last few days of care and concern.

Memorials are being established for community and education causes. The family, with permission, will be donating a park bench to the Freeport Park District Tennis courts on Empire in his memory. Please make memorials out to Robert Christensen Memorial Fund. Memorials can be mailed to Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 N. Walnut, Freeport, IL., 61032

Funeral arrangements will be through Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home with visitation from 4:00p.m.- 7:00p.m. on Friday, January 12th and visitation from 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Kiwanis. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00a.m. Burial will be in the Catholic Garden at Chapel Hill.