Robert "Bob" Cordes

March 16, 1941 - February 18, 2021

Robert “Bob” Cordes, 79, of Dunlap, IL, formerly of Batavia, IL and St. Charles, IL, passed away on February 18, 2021 at 12:30 a.m., at Apostolic Christian Skylines. Bob was born on March 16, 1941, to Henry and Eva Cordes in Chicago, Illinois. Bob married Linda (Nielsen) Cordes in 1974 in Galena, IL. She passed away on September 26, 1999. Bob is survived by his sister, Carolyn (the late Karl) Klepitsch of Lockport, IL; daughter, Christy (Jason) Daily; granddaughters Charlotte (6), Stella (3) and Quinn (4 mo); nephews, nieces and friends. Bob left this world to be reunited with his wife, Linda (Nielsen) Cordes; son, Michael Cordes and sister Katherine “Kathy” Cordes. Bob begin his working career in his families bakery, Cordes Pastry Shop, which was located in Chicago on Lawrence Avenue for over 40 years and was very successful. He was an entrepreneur at heart, owning a pizza restaurant known as “The Flakey Crust”; a remodeling business, “The House Surgeon” for over 30 years and a small horse ranch, “Four Star Ranch”. Bob had a great love of horses and horse racing. He owned Harness race horses, two of which were named FourStarMike and FourStarChristy, named after his children. One of his favorite races was when FourStarMike came up from last place and took first in the final moments of a race. His favorite movie was Secretariat, a movie about an incredible race horse. He dreamed of owning rental properties and flipping houses, an aspiration his daughter and son in law plan to come to fruition in his honor. Bob was a gentle and loving man who was positive, generous, and hardworking. He had a heart of gold and his #1 desire in life was to help others, no questions asked. He believed in himself, believed in those he loved and had a relentless, undying love for his children, granddaughters, family and friends. He was their biggest cheerleader, always putting them first and doing anything and everything to make their lives easier. He had a knack for thinking outside of the box and solving problems. Bob could build or fix literally anything. He was often tackling remodeling projects, attending dinners, traveling, racing cars with his son in law, bowling, playing poker, listening to Nat King Cole, Johnny Cash or talk radio; encouraging others and helping them. He could also easily be found coloring, reading books, blowing bubbles, painting, watching movies, or baking with his granddaughters. He also loved fishing, napkins, deep dish pizza, chocolate shakes, ice cream and food in general, he claimed not to love sweets, yet managed to eat every cookie, tub of ice cream and sweet treat that crossed his path. Bob was a regular attendee at Peoria Nazarene Church, where he was well loved and taken underwing by many. To those of you who made him feel loved and included, thank you. A very special thank you to Bob’s devoted friends, Kathleen Mankowski and John Ross. He loved you both and truly appreciated your steadfast, devoted, genuine friendship. If you’d like to honor Bob, take time to help someone with no questions asked; watch the movie, Secretariat; be an entrepreneur; ride a horse; build, remodel, repair or create something; book a trip; bake and eat something; and or love someone with your whole heart. Due to the coronavirus pandemic a private celebration of life will be held on Bob’s birthday, March 16th at Peoria First Nazarene Church.