FREEPORT - Robert J. Bush, 72, of Freeport went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006, at his home.
He was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on Nov. 6, 1933, to his parents, Ernest and Mary Bush, lifelong residents of Waterloo, after coming to America from Germany.
He served as senior pastor of First Church of the Open Bible in Freeport for 45 1/2 years until July 1, 2004.
He graduated from Open Bible College in Des Moines, Iowa, served as youth pastor in Casper, Wyo., and planted a new church in Carpentersville, before starting his ministry in Freeport.
He was active in his denomination by serving for six years as Central Region Christian Education and Youth Director over a seven-state area, and directing youth camp each summer at Clear Lake, Iowa. He then served for 28 years as District Superintendent in the Northern IL-Wisconsin District, overseeing 15 churches. He was a member of the Central Region Board for 34 years and also served on the National Board of Open Bible Churches. He also served our community for eight years on the School Board of District 145 in Freeport.
He acted as general superintendent of three major building programs for the Open Bible Church in Freeport.
He co-founded Open Bible Child Care in January 1970 and served as co-director with his sister, Charlotte Grant.
He loved all sports, playing football, basketball and baseball in school, and enjoyed playing golf. Learning the building trade from his father, he used these skills in the ministry. He loved working with his hands, building and landscaping. He loved people and working with other leaders.
Preceding him in death were his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Irene, who served alongside him in ministry. They met and were married in Des Moines, Iowa and celebrated 50 years of marriage last May.
Also, he is survived by three children: Randal J. Bush (Linda) of Freeport, Kevin N. Bush (Lea) of Nashville, Tenn., and Karen S. Kevern (Doug) of Cherry Valley; three grandchildren, Alyssa L. Bush and Kelsey M. Bush, both of Freeport, and Jenna L. Bush of Nashville; three step grandchildren, Elizabeth, Ryan and Lauren Kevern of Cherry Valley; two brothers, Al E. Bush (Marilyn) of Tulsa, Okla., and Paul L. Bush (Shirley) of Waterloo; and one sister, Charlotte Grant of Freeport.
Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Open Bible Church, 3800 W. Stephenson St., Freeport, with the memorial service at 5 p.m. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
A memorial fund has been established for the Family Center, which houses the elementary school and family center.
The service will be conducted by the Reverends Ivan Rogers and Paul Canfield of Des Moines, Iowa, Don Lyon of Rockford, and Pastor Burliss Parker of Freeport.
His favorite verse is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." KJV. He recently said that God made it easy for his ministry by giving him a great wife, family, and a group of committed people with a vision of reaching families for God.
Rev.
Bush's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, light a candle, or share a caring heart in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.