Robert Joseph Dempsey Sr.

Robert Joseph Dempsey Sr., 84, of Dixon, formerly of Harmon, died Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Illinois. Robert was born January 27, 1933, in Dixon, the son of John J. and Marcella K. (O'Brien). He married the love and dance partner of his life, Floris Jeannette Stomberg on June 25, 1955, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Dixon. She preceded his death on November 2, 2010. He proudly served his country during the Korean War with the United States Army. Following his military service, he was a farmer in the Harmon area for over 50 years. He was a member of St. Patrick Church in Dixon and an avid collector. He was a devoted and life-long Chicago Cubs fan. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Bridget Dempsey; and one brother, William. He is survived by four children, Robert (Colleen) Dempsey Jr., Brian (Nancie) Dempsey, and Jerry (Lisa) Dempsey, all of Dixon, and Sue (Dennis) Becker of Amboy; 12 grandchildren (who were all his favorites), Rebecca (Jason) Ketter of Byron, Amy (Brian) Bickner of Sycamore, Amanda (Kyle) Hacker of Rock Falls, Danielle Dempsey (Eddy Wright) of Sterling, Adam (Krissy) Dempsey of Metamora, Patrick (Erin) Dempsey of East Peoria, Chris (Tori) Boyle of Sublette, Cooper (Jessica) Dempsey of Dixon, Dilan (Katie) Dempsey of Dixon, Courtney (Jake) Lewis of Sublette, Logan Dempsey (Sarah Lalley) of Dixon, and Demi Becker of Amboy; 10 and 3/4 great-grandchildren; brother John "Jack" (Sharon) Dempsey, Jr. of Dixon; three sisters, Patricia (Donald) Brown of Lena, Sally Earp of Rockford, and Mary Jo Youngmark of Oswego; sister-in-law, Margaret "Pudge" Dempsey of Harmon and one brother-in-law, Franklin (Eloise) Stomberg of Rockford. Prayer service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, May 22, 2017 at Jones Funeral Home, Dixon, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Dixon, with the Rev. Richard Kramer officiating. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Harmon with military honors by the Combined Veterans Group Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., with the rosary recited at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2017 at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Veterans Park in Dixon.

Robert Joseph Dempsey Sr.

January 27, 1933 - May 17, 2017