Robert "Bob" C. Jackson

Robert "Bob" C. Jackson 87, of DeKalb passed away December 3, 2024, at DeKalb Area Retirement Center Oak Crest in DeKalb.  He was born January 17, 1937, in Champaign, IL and was the son of Raymond and Mary (Hoyle) Jackson.

Bob's remarkable life is marked by a strong commitment to family, education, and community service. After graduating as Valedictorian from Amboy High School in 1954, he embarked on a journey that would see him become a notable figure in both the agricultural industry and his local community.

Following his marriage to Helen Ortgiesen on January 25, 1958, in Amboy, the couple moved to Champaign, where Bob pursued higher education at the University of Illinois. He earned his bachelor's degree in marketing in the spring of 1958, setting the stage for a successful career.

Bob dedicated 35 years of his life to Growmark/Northern FS, retiring as general manager from 1958 until 1992. His leadership and dedication not only propelled the company forward but also made a significant impact on the agricultural community in the region. Additionally, he took on the role of interim CEO at Kishwaukee Community Hospital, showcasing his versatile skills in management and leadership.

Bob's involvement in the DeKalb community spanned over four decades, during which he was an active member of organizations such as the DeKalb Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. His commitment to health and wellness was evident in his years of service on the board of Kishwaukee Community Hospital, where he worked to improve healthcare services for residents.

An avid reader and sports enthusiast, Bob had a particular fondness for politics, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Chicago Bears. He cherished the time spent with family, which was central to his life. His faith was also an important aspect of his life, as he was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb.

In 1980, Bob and his close friends established the Midwest Ag Scholarship Foundation (MASF), a testament to their commitment to education and the agricultural community. This foundation provided scholarships to deserving agricultural students across Illinois, enabling them to pursue their educational goals while fostering connections among friends.

Bob's legacy is one of dedication, community involvement, and a deep commitment to education, leaving a lasting impact on those around him.

Survivors include; wife Helen of DeKalb, five children; Diane Lewis of Princeton, IL, John (Megan) Jackson of DeWitt, IA, Robert (Betty) Jackson of Chicago, IL, Julie (David) Lindberg of McHenry, IL, Mary (Doug) Freeman, of DeKalb. Grandchildren; Abigail (Eric) Trillo, Blake (Anooja) Cannon, Courtney (AJ) McNeil, Caitlyn (Mitch) Federspiel, Cayla Jackson, Anna and Rachel Jackson, Alexandria (Nick) Lindberg and Samantha Lindberg, and Austin and Luke Freeman. Great grandchildren; Brayden, Karter, Emory, Keegan, Kayden, and Rihan. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Jim and sister Mary Walsh.

The family would like to thank the staff at DeKalb Area Retirement Center Oak Crest, Dr. Ahmad and Dr. J. Patel for their care and support during this difficult time.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 11:00am-12:45pm at Finch Funeral Home in DeKalb. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1:00pm at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Dean Russell officiating. Private burial will take place at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.