Robert D. Schleich passed away on his farm in rural Monmouth, Illinois at 6:30 pm on Monday February 22, 2021. When life ends here on earth, sadness and grief for family and friends begins. But Robert’s family and friends can easily see the positive – 38%. Since America was founded in 1776, Robert has seen 38% of this country’s existence. He was a true patriot with the American Flag on display always. He served his country from 1950 – 1952 in Korea. In 2014, he was aboard the 29th Honor Flight to Washington, DC to view the various military monuments and Arlington National Cemetery. He was stern yet loving. He was a lifetime farmer, but those who were close, knew he was also a teacher. Robert took time and effort to send his children independent and well prepared to be successful in their adult lives. Clear til his death, he was “teaching” his family lifelong lessons of kindness, humor, hard work, honesty, and integrity. He was remarkable and he never lost his childish grin.
He was the oldest of the 9 children born to William Byron and Zelpha Mae Schleich. Six of his siblings have preceded him in death and he is survived by two sisters. He was born on November 10th, 1928 on his grandfather’s farm south of London Mills. He graduated from Abingdon High School in 1946 and married Teresa B. (Johnson) Schleich on August 17th, 1950 in Macomb. They enjoyed their life together for the following 70 years. Robert and Teresa are the parents of Sharon Ryan, Kay Arnold, and Robert B. (Susan) Schleich. They are grandparents to Julie (Jason) Ryan Keltner, Jared Ryan, Josh Ryan, Barbara Jill (Lee Dellinger) Arnold Duke, Jason Arnold, Tyler (Cassie) Schleich, Faith (Andrew) Schleich Portz, and Austin (Mackenzie) Schleich. These 8 grandchildren are parents to the 8 great grandchildren of Robert and Teresa.
Robert lived a long and happy life with Teresa.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2021 at the Abingdon Christian Church, 409 S. Main St. in Abingdon. The family will not be present for the visitation. Robert’s funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the church. Rev. Will Brown will officiate. Those wishing to attend the service “virtually” may watch the live broadcast at 11:30 a.m. Saturday on the Abingdon Christian Church Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Christian-Church-of-Abingdon-215555815129881. Burial with military rites will be at the Abingdon Cemetery following the funeral. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the use of facemasks, social distancing and attendance limits recommended by the Illinois Phase 4 guidelines will be followed. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Abingdon Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
