Robert E. Freeburg

Robert Eldon Freeburg, 71, of Milan passed away at his home after a long battle with cancer Friday, June 7^th surrounded by daughter Patti Ann and love of his life and caregiver Jill Linder.

A memorial service will be 12:00 – 2:00pm Saturday, June 15^th at Fraternal Order of Eagles #956 (5103 11th Street, Rock Island). Memorials can be made to the family to be donated to a youth music organization.

Bob was born November 14, 1952 in Rock Island, Illinois, the son of Robert Eldon Freeburg and Alice Rexine Hillman, Brown. He was a car painter and detailer and worked for Group O, Milan. He was a long-time member and past President of the Rock Island F.O.E #956. 

“Bobkat” is what his family called him. His favorite pastime was playing one of many guitars and singing. He started playing as a teenager and played in several bands and events. He was known as “Bandanna Bob” at his gigs. He loved fishing, golfing, and spending time with family and special little friend, his dog, Rosewood.

Left to honor his memory are daughters, Patti Ann Freeburg Wilson (Jack), Monmouth and Dacia Roate Rice (Andy), Davenport; son Robert “Bob” Roate (Paula), Orlando, Florida; sisters Connie Brock, Silvis and Linda Hesse, Bettendorf; brothers, Louis Hoffman and Chester “Chuck” Hoffman (Shelly), both of Andalusia; Stepbrothers Rod Brown, Missouri and Randy Brown (Jill), Virginia; several grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather Roy Brown; granddaughter

Dakota Roate, long-time friend, Martin, brother-in-law, Don Brock, stepbrothers Roy Lee Brown and Robbie Brown.

A special thank-you from Bob’s family to Jill Linder for her care and the love she had for him, and Beacon of Hope Hospice, for the excellent support.