Robert 'Bob' Bernard Rew

Covington Robert "Bob" Bernard Rew, 93, passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital on February 11, 2022, at 8:38 PM. Bob was born on May 21, 1928, the son of George Robert and Harriet (Southerland) Rew, in Mitchell, SD. He married Catherine Sluka and remained married for 72 years. She survives.

Additional survivors include eight children, James (Patty) Rew, Richard (Judith) Rew, Rebecca Rew, Donald Rew, Gregory (Diane) Rew, John Rew, Scott (Barb) Rew and Chris (Michelle) Rew, sixteen grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, as well as two siblings, Bill Rew and Harriet (Larry) Moss.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Cathe Rew Falk, two infant grandsons, Tyler, and Mitchell, as well as four siblings, Sal Buss, Mary Duncan, Art Rew and Charlotte Streit.

Growing up on a farm in Mitchell, SD, Bob started working in a rock quarry as a welder and fabricator. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1946 as an Infantryman. His strong leadership characteristics and effective ability to train soldiers enabled Bob to attain rank quickly as a non-commissioned officer, (NCO), most notably as Drill Sergeant and 1st Sergeant by the time the Korea War broke out. Bob accepted a commission as an Army officer, in the South Dakota Army National Guard notably serving as a company commander and as a battalion executive officer in the US Army Reserves. He retired from the United States Army Reserve at the rank of Major.

While serving in the South Dakota National Guard Bob earned a bachelors degree in Business Management from Dakota Wesleyan University. While completing his studies Bob began his work in banking, starting off as a bank employee and working his way up to loan officer in Mitchell, SD. He continued his career in banking when moving to Bettendorf, IA where he became a senior loan officer. He became vice-president of a bank in East Moline, IL, and then accepted a position as a bank president in Hoffman Estates, IL. He further continued his banking career in becoming the president of Union National Bank of Chicago and then finally serving as president of 1st National Bank of Danville.

After working in the banking industry, Bob purchased Goodloe E. Moore, INC in 1979. As a business owner, Bob successfully grew the company to become the largest manufacturer of commercial and industrial insulation fasteners in North America. As President and Chief Executive Officer he expanded the business portfolio to include four metals manufacturing business and one industrial support business, that continue to grow and thrive to this day.

Bobs hobbies included maintaining his land, bees, welding & fabricating projects out of metal, and always making time for family.

He instilled in all his children and grandchildren the importance of setting goals and hard work in life to achieve success. He truly lived the mantra of success where opportunity and preparedness meet. Bob was raised back in a time when a "mans handshake" was as good as any signed contract.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 18, 2022, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Chris Rew will officiate. Interment will be in Danville National Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2022, from 4-7:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center.

Charitable donations can be made to the Second Church of Christ, Danville, Illinois.

Please join Bobs family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .