Robert “Bob” Willcox passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Winona Health Services, at the age of 91. He was born on August 16, 1931, to Calvin and Anna Delveccio Willcox in Blanchard, Mo. When he was three years old, his father died, and his mother along with his two older brothers moved to Murray, Iowa. He graduated from high school in 1949 and worked on local farms and the railroad until enlisting in the Air Force in 1951. Bob served on various Air Force bases from west coast to east coast as well as a tour in Germany. He retired after 20 years. Bob then worked for the State of Vermont Department of Corrections. In 1957 he married Barbara Reed. They were later divorced. In 1970 he married Ardis Cady of St. Albans.
In Vermont, he lived on a small acreage with 50-plus apple trees. He was happiest while working in the orchard. He made apple cider, which he sold to small grocery stores and the public. He also donated apples to the local elementary schools and the local food bank. He was an active member of the St. Albans Bay United Methodist Church. He enjoyed hunting, going to auctions and square dancing.
In 1995 following retirement, he and Ardis moved to Rushford where he enjoyed meeting friends for coffee and watching the wildlife in surrounding areas. He was a member of the Arendahl Lutheran Church and the Peterson American Legion.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ardis; sons Douglas (Delores) of North Bend, Nebr., and Jeffrey of Soldotna, Ala.; stepchildren DeeAnn Cady (Alan Butler) of White Bear Lake, David Cady of Rushford and Paul Cady of Brookland Park; five grandchildren: Deborah Willcox, Danielle (Adam) Hunnel, Derrick (Rebecca) Willcox, Denise (Joshua) Eads, and Dustin Willcox; four step-grandsons: Benton (Cherie), Charles, Erik and Ivan Cady; also seven great-grandchildren and Barbara Trombley, the mother of his children; sister-in-law Doris (Robert) Sheeley, as well as his nieces and nephews, other extended family, and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ardis; sons Douglas (Delores) of North Bend, Nebr., and Jeffrey of Soldotna, Alaska; stepchildren DeeAnn Cady (Alan Butler) of White Bear Lake, David Cady of Rushford and Paul Cady of Brookland Park; five grandchildren: Deborah Willcox, Danielle (Adam) Hunnel, Derrick (Rebecca) Willcox, Denise (Joshua) Eads, and Dustin Willcox; four step-grandsons: Benton (Cherie), Charles, Erik and Ivan Cady; also seven great-grandchildren and Barbara Trombley, the mother of his children; sister-in-law Doris (Robert) Sheeley, as well as his nieces and nephews, other extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Hyllis (Laverne) Cox, two brothers, and their wives, John (Alberta) and Ed (Regina) Willcox.
Funeral services for Bob will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 27 at Arendahl Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral at church from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be held at Arendahl Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Arendahl Lutheran Church or the Good Shepherd Home of Rushford.
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