Bobby "Bob" Dean VanFossen

In Loving Memory of Bob VanFossen

Bobby “Bob” Dean VanFossen, age 88, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2026, at 11:15 p.m., surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Early Life and Service

Bob was born on December 7, 1937, in Graysville, Ohio, to Leo Wilburt VanFossen and Gladys Virginia (Heddelson) VanFossen. He was raised in Noble, Illinois, where he graduated from high school in 1956. Soon after, he enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Navy until 1959—an experience he carried with quiet pride throughout his life.

Family and Relationships

On June 6, 1959, Bob married Patricia “Pat” Ann Brassie. The couple shared 52 devoted years together, building a home filled with love and raising their family until Pat’s passing on March 30, 2011. Later, Bob reunited with his childhood friend, Sharon Lee (Milford) Maas, whom he married on January 1, 2012. Bob and Sharon enjoyed 11 happy years together until her passing on November 11, 2023.

Professional Life and Legacy

Bob was a dedicated professional accountant, who took pride in doing things carefully and correctly—and in helping others along the way. He served various organizations and individuals through Golden Rule Insurance Company, Kemper CPA Group, and Sigma Pi International Fraternity. Even after retirement, friends and family knew they could count on him for steady guidance with accounting and tax preparation, offered with patience and generosity.

Beyond his professional life, Bob gave generously of his time through the Civitan International Club, a volunteer service organization focused on helping people in need. He believed in showing up for others, and he brought the same steady, practical care to community service that he did to his work and family. In addition, he attended Lawrenceville Free Methodist Church.

More than anything, Bob loved his family and valued the simple, steady joys of everyday life. He found his happiest moments outdoors—especially camping and fishing—and he delighted in traveling throughout the United States while sharing those days with the people he loved. Bob will be remembered for his kindness, his devotion to family, his gentle sense of humor, and the calm, faithful presence he brought to every room.

Bob was known as someone you could depend on—steady in his love, thoughtful in his words, and generous with his time. Whether offering a helping hand, a practical solution, or simply listening, he made others feel supported and at ease.

Those Who Preceded Him

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Donald Eugene VanFossen; his first wife, Pat; his second wife, Sharon; and his daughter, Michelle Ann VanFossen (Hampton).

Survivors

Bob is survived by his sister, Betty Jean Lamb of Olney, Illinois; his children: Dennis Dean (Mindy) VanFossen of Morgantown, Indiana; Diana Lynn (William) Corry of Dundas, Illinois; and Michael Lee VanFossen (Bobby Tillery) of Redwood City, California. He also shared a special bond with Sharon’s daughter, Julie Maas (Donald) Rigg of Mount Carmel, Illinois.

His grandchildren include Jedidiah Brian VanFossen, Quintin Taylor VanFossen, Lacey Marie DeMaire, Kalebb Sawyer VanFossen, Kylie Ann Corry, Skylar Dean Hampton, and Logan William Corry. Bob is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren, including a special relationship with his great granddaughter, Tristyn Michelle DeMaire, and extended family members who will cherish his memory.

Services and Memorials

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A procession will begin at 10:45 a.m. from Emmons-Macey and Steffey Funeral Home to the May Chapel Cemetery, east of Lawrenceville, Illinois, where interment will take place. Military rites will be conducted by the VFW during the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s honor to the American Cancer Society.

Final Tribute

As a United States Veteran, Bob lived a life rooted in service, love, and an appreciation for travel, the outdoors, and the people who shared it with him.

While his family grieves his passing, they are grateful for the years they were given and the memories that will continue to guide and comfort them.

He is not gone, only gone from our sight, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.