Robert Bielby

Robert G Bielby Jr., of Lake Wildwood, Varna Illinois, died on January 6, 2022 at his home. He was born in Hinsdale Illinois on August 26, 1936 to the late Robert and Florence (Maercker) Bielby. After graduating from LaGrange Township High School, Bob became a heavy equipment operator and eventually took over the family business that his father started, Bielby Excavating.

As a shaper of land, Bob had a hobby spot everyone calls the pond.  He designed and created the pond with heavy equipment using the the skills and knowledge he learned over a lifetime in the trade. Bob loved his ducks and mowing the grass at the pond. He hosted coffee and sweets at the pond, meeting every morning with his buddies, except for Sundays.

Bob started his career operating a bantam crane and he spent his retirement restoring antique bantams, bulldozers, and farm tractors.

A friend to all, loving father and grandfather, and undefeated “Mercy” champion.

Bob is survived by his longtime girlfriend Bertie Soeder of Varna; children Bret (Susan) Bielby of Mesa AZ, Rene Bielby Bouchard of Channahon, IL, Anne Bielby of Morris, IL; sisters Doris McHale of Naperville, IL, Karen Collins of Prairie Village, KS; grandchildren Jaclyn (Chris) Otchy of Chantilly, VA,  Emily Bielby (Guy Prewitt) of Mesa, AZ, Sarah (Anthony) Valcarcel of Palos Park, IL, Zachary (Klair) Bouchard of Morris, IL, Brianna Bouchard of Wilmington, IL; great-grandchildren Sophia and Maverick Otchy, Landon and Caden Valcarcel, and Sydney Prewitt. Numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was also preceded in death by one sister, Nancy Meko.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date at the pond. Burial will be in the Lyonsville Cemetery in Indian Head Park, IL. Memorials can be made to the Varna Ambulance service and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com

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