Robert Zehr

Robert E. Zehr, 76, of Foosland passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 19, 2024, surrounded by his family, after a brave battle with cancer.
He was born on Sept. 27, 1947, to Lester and Faith (Schertz) Zehr. Bob graduated from Fisher High School in 1966. He went on to attend both Hesston and Bethel Colleges in Kansas, graduating with a degree in Industrial Arts Education.
He was united in marriage to Cynthia S. Pope on June 26, 1976, in Table Rock, Neb. They were blessed with two children, Abigail and Levi. Together they enjoyed 47 years of marriage.
Bob was a lifelong teacher and talented craftsman. He taught at schools in Jamestown and Burr Oak, Kan., in the early 1970s. He returned to the classroom again in 1992, teaching for many years at Armstrong, Olympia, Watseka and Morris High Schools. He was also self-employed, the owner and operator of Zehr Woodworking from 1980 until his retirement. He greatly enjoyed creating, working with his hands and being outdoors. He could identify every variety of tree by sight. He was a talented vocalist and enjoyed singing, playing his guitar and collecting southern gospel records. He was a member of The Reflections, a gospel quartet, in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He loved the Lord with his whole heart and loved talking to people. He made friends everywhere he went!  Bob was a member of Christian Life Church in Rantoul. He most loved being with his family and friends and his grandchildren were his greatest joy.
Bob is survived by his wife, Cindy Zehr of Foosland; daughter, Abigail (Sam) Mwania of Lincoln, Neb.; son, Levi Zehr (Jennifer Woodward) of Mahomet; five grandchildren, Ezekiel Zehr, Cora Mwania, Faith Mwania, Kyndl Zehr and Kazie Rittenhouse; sister and brother-in-law, Mariella and Doug Braun; brothers and sisters-in-law, Max and Marcia Hoover, David and Susan Pope and Joe and Kim Sharpe; sister-in-law, Bernadette Zehr; and nieces, nephews and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lois Gilbert; brothers, John Zehr and Danny Zehr; mother and father-in-law, Bob and Naomi Pope; and nephew, Drew Pope.
Bob’s family would like to thank all the medical professionals at Christie Clinic Oncology and the Siteman Cancer Center for the excellent, compassionate care given during his cancer journey.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, at East Bend Church, 702 County Road 3300 N, Fisher.  There will be light refreshments with the family greeting guests following the ceremony at Christian Life Church, 300 N. Maplewood Drive, Rantoul. Private family interment will happen prior to the service in Beekman Cemetery.
Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., in Rantoul.
Memorials to the family for further designation. Lux Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.