Robert Bahnks

Robert E. Bahnks, 91, of Rock Island, died Monday, November 10, 2014, in Chesterfield, MO at the home of his daughter and son-in-law.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2014, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., 6601 38th Avenue, Moline. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home with burial at Preemption Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Moog Center for Deaf Education, St. Louis, MO. Visit MoogCenter.org.

Bob was born on June 28, 1923, the son of Chester Charles and Mary Arnott Stroud Bahnks. He married Lavona Mader on October 14, 1950 at Central Presbyterian Church in Rock Island, IL. He worked as a carpenter and machine mover for John Deere Harvester Works, retiring after 31 years of service. He was a member of South Park Presbyterian Church, Rock Island.

Bob was previously a Deacon at Central Presbyterian Church. In his younger years, he coached his daughter's softball teams and enjoyed watching baseball and football games. He was a sought-after dancing partner at weddings; and often had sisters or sisters-in-law waiting for a turn. Other activities Bob looked forward to were woodworking, card club, bowling leagues, working in his yard and bus trips with friends. Above all, Bob loved spending his time with his family and grandchildren. In recent years, some of his brightest moments were enjoyed when he could share stories of how proud he was of his grandchildren; Kayla - helping others to hear as an audiologist, and Ryan - a biomedical engineer helping ball-players avoid injuries.

Survivors include
Wife Lavona Bahnks
Daughter Beth (Sheldon) Holstad Chesterfield, MO
Grandchildren Kayla Holstad East Rutherford, NJ
Ryan Holstad Merrick, NY
Siblings Betty Christensen Collinsville, IL
William Bahnks Moline, IL
Sharon DeBo (James) Hampton, IL
In-Laws Margaret Bahnks East Moline, IL
Patricia Bahnks Moline, IL

He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Bennie Bahnks and Chester Bahnks, Jr., as well as his brother-in-law, Robert Christensen (Betty) and sister-in-law, Nancy Bahnks (William).

The family would like to personally thank everyone who remained in touch, visited and cared for Bob; especially, Bob's brothers/brothers-in-law, sisters/sisters-in-law, LaNeva Birkel, and Sue DeBellis of St. Louis, MO. Suzie Everingham, Chaplain, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Manchester, MO provided invaluable support to the family.

Online condolences may be left for his family by visiting esterdahl.com.