Robert Daniel “Dan” Wynne, 79, of Galesburg, passed peacefully at his home on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.
He was born July 23, 1942, in Rock Island, the son of Stanley and Isabel (Flaherty) Wynne. He married Julie Cunningham on April 22, 1966, in Polo, Illinois.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Julie; three children, Jamie (Tim) Carlson of Galesburg, John (Michelle) Wynne of Alexis, and Craig (Jill) Wynne of Decatur; grandchildren, Anna (Ben) Kraft, Lara (Jeremiah) Scholl, Isaiah Carlson, Gary Wynne, Claire Wynne, Evan Wynne, Emily Wynne, and Ellie Wynne; great grandchildren, Max and Jack Kraft and Josiah Scholl; sisters, Jane Wynne, Marti (Lou) Maciel, Kathy (Tom) Schwab, and Cindy (Ken) Perkins-Becraft; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Joseph Wynne; and one sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Hans Sunken.
He graduated from Avon High School in 1961. Dan was a life-long farmer. He began his farming career in 1967 with his father; later independently in the Neponset and Wyanet areas, and in the Galesburg area since 1971, and currently with his son, John. Dan had many health issues over the last few years, but because of his faith, courage, and determination, he was able to return to his love of farming. He served on the Cedar Township Board, was a supporter of the Abingdon Fall Festival and served as a 4H leader of the Bracken Busy Bees from 1981-1985. He received the Galesburg Jaycees Outstanding Young Farmer Award in 1973. Dan was recognized by the Illinois State Police with the Director’s Special Award in 1990 for an act of bravery in stopping an out-of-control car, and preventing serious injury to the occupants.
Dan enjoyed the family pitch games on Grand Ave., Bob Yarde’s fish fries, and participating in the Heritage Tractor Adventure Drive. He loved his grandchildren and great grandsons, and loved bragging on each one. He enjoyed teasing them and quizzing them about their friends. He gave plenty of driving advice, reminding them to “look out for the other guy”. Most importantly, he kept each one in prayer by name, that they would be kept safe. He always had time for a good visit and lend an ear whenever needed. He will be missed by family and his many friends.
Dan was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church.
The Rosary will be prayed at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2022, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel. Visitation will follow from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2022, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Father Lee Brokaw will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Corpus Christi Catholic Church or the Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
