Robert Hugh (Bob) Dixon, 92, of Freeport, IL, passed away peacefully in his sleep, Saturday, December 3, 2016, at
Stephenson Nursing Center, where he had been a resident for the past 4 years. His funeral service will be held at 11:00
AM Friday, December 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church on West Pearl City Rd, in Freeport. Visitation will be held
before the service at 9:00AM. Private family graveside service will then be held at Chapel Hill at 1:30 PM.
The son of Hugh J. Dixon and Luella Lebetsamer Dixon, Robert was born December 11, 1923, in Freeport. He
married his high school sweetheart, Norma Getty on November 17, 1946. Robert was a graduate of Freeport High
School. He proudly served his country during WWII from 1942-1946, as a machinist mate aboard the USS
Bennington, serving 4 years with the US Navy in the Pacific Theater.
Robert worked many years as a carpenter, working with various builders in Freeport. He greatly enjoyed working
with his hands and continued to do a variety of odd jobs, until he started his Customer Service career with Micro
Switch, where he worked for 25 years until retirement in 1986.
After retirement, he and his wife traveled extensively all over the continental United States covering all 48 states,
including their capital buildings and also the state of Hawaii, which was the only state requiring air travel. The
number of miles they put on several family vehicles is immeasurable, as they could be found taking side trips in many
of those states to see points of interest calling their names from road signs as they traveled. He and Norma enjoyed
many years at their tiny little trailer on the Pecatonica River and loved exploring the river whether fishing or just
enjoying a boat ride. Bob also thoroughly enjoyed his woodworking projects, crafting among different things, many,
many frames for his wife's crewel work or family photos.
Robert was a kind and gentle man who loved his family and his faith. He was a lifelong member of Immanuel
Lutheran Church, having been confirmed in his faith on March 21, 1937 by Pastor Otto Schumacher. He enjoyed
singing in his church choir for many years and many in the congregation, said after he left the choir, there was still no
mistaking his voice being heard in other parts of the church, singing his most beloved hymns. Robert also served his
church in many aspects of various offices and later, could be found doing odd jobs around the church and school,
alongside his wife, as they found ways to serve their beloved church and congregation.
Robert leaves behind to cherish his memory, his three daughters, Diane & Chuck Sorn, Sally & Ron McAllister and
Kathy & Mike Reece; his sister Jeannine (Jenny) & Brad Benn; grandchildren, Erich & Michael Sorn, Kasey (Tyler)
Bauscher, Kristine Dixon and Leslie McIlvanie; and 8 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Norma in 2000; his beloved granddaughter, Kelly McAllister; his
brother, Harold and sister-in-law Joan; brothers in-law, William Getty and Robert Getty; and sister-in-law, Carol
Cowan.
A memorial is established for Immanuel Lutheran Church and School.