Robert Stringer

Robert “Bob” Stringer

May 23, 1947 – June 12, 2025

Sterling, Illinois

Robert “Bob” Stringer, of Sterling, Illinois, passed away on June 12, 2025 surrounded by those who loved him most. He was 78.

Born and raised in Sterling, Illinois, Bob was the firstborn son of loving parents, Kenny and Bonnie. He spent the better part of his youth outside - fishing, hunting, playing baseball and engaging in shenanigans with his younger brother. He graduated from Sterling High School in 1965 and attended Sauk Valley College where he studied and played baseball. Shortly after college, Bob entered into his first marriage and welcomed daughter, Tami. He later remarried and welcomed a second daughter, Jaime. He adored his girls.

Bob spent the majority of his working years as a foreman in the 14 inch shipping department at Northwestern Steel and Wire and as a metallurgical technician at Sundstrand until his retirement. But to Bob, work was just one part of a life well-lived. His true passions were his family, friends and the great outdoors — and the only thing better for Bob was time with family and friends in the great outdoors. Whether he was casting a line at sunrise, pointing out a deer along the creek or building a campfire for his grandkids, his best days and most cherished times were spent under the open sky with the people he loved.

Bob lived for coffee with his girls, quiet time by the river, family fish-fries and Rockford campouts. Bob was endlessly thoughtful and generous - always finding meaningful and creative ways to show his love. He once staged a treasure hunt along the river for his grandkids, and told the tale of the “Rock River Pirate” who’d left his treasures behind. One Christmas, Bob was able to prove that Santa had visited - his reindeer had left some fur behind. He was calm, steady, patient and kind. Bob always wore a smile and had a saying for everything. He was funny - and told stories with the timing and delivery of a seasoned comedian. He loved to laugh and reminisce about the good old days. We will miss this the most. 

If you couldn’t find Bob outside, you could bet he was either planning his next fishing trip, checking his trail cams, or getting gear ready in the shed for the next deer season. He walked outside daily, observing and journaling his encounters with deer, pheasant, mink, and fox — always taking a moment to appreciate the quiet wonders of nature.

Bob was a loyal husband to his beloved wife, Judy, a devoted father to daughters Tami Stringer (Jeff Wilson) and Jaime (Brian) Hawkins, and a treasured “Papa” to granddaughters Claire, Carlee and Jovee. He was adored by many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors who knew they could always count on him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Kenny and Bonnie, and his younger brother, Curt (Sally) Stringer — all of whom he missed deeply and now joins in peace.

A celebration of Bob’s life will take place Saturday, June 28th at 1:00 pm at 21051 Moline Rd, Sterling. A memorial fund has been established with the Sauk Valley Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited to provide lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for local youth. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you take time to head outside -  toss a line in, enjoy a campfire, or watch the sunset — and think of Bob. He’ll be there, too.