Robert Kay “Bob” Klaman, 76

Robert Kay “Bob” Klaman, 76 of Mesa, Ariz. passed away Thursday, Dec. 29 at 3:30 a.m. in Hospice of the Valley Home in Mesa; formerly of Las Vegas, Nev. and the Machesney Park, Ill. areas. Bob was born May 11, 1940 in Harvard, Ill. to Floyd J. & Helen C. (Starin) Klaman. He attended Harlem High School. He married Rubye L. Townsend on April 27, 1963 and together they have five children. April of 2013, he and Rubye celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. He is presently a member of the Mesa Moose Club.

Bob retired from Gunite Foundry – Rockford, Ill. in February of 1989 after 30 years of service. While in Las Vegas, he was a representative for Dave Mason & Ruby Realty through 2014.

Bob was a past avid fisherman and bowler. He loved to spend time with family and friends, to camp (Woodhaven – Sublette, Ill.), and he and Rubye loved to travel. Bob had many friends – if you knew him, you loved him! He was always there to lend a helping hand! He was a hard worker, and known as a true gentleman.

Bob is survived by his wife and caregiver Rubye Klaman; two sons: Sydney Klaman of Las Vegas, Nev. and Bryan (Anndra) Klaman of Rockford, Ill.; three daughters: Teresa Strathman of Rockford, Ill., Billy Jo (Dale) Goeke of Davis, Ill. and Brenda (Scott) Rowe also of Davis; ten grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren; one brother: Ronald J. (Kathie) Klaman Sr. of Rockton, Ill.; numerous nephews and nieces and many friends.

Bob was predeceased by parents: Floyd (1989) and Helen Klaman (1994); one brother: Richard E. “Dick” Klaman (1973) and sister-in-law: Carole Klaman (2015); his father and mother-in-law: Ulyss “Slim” and Della Townsend; his paternal grandparents: Carl and Frieda (Siebel) Klaman – Harvard, Ill. and his maternal grandparents: Frank “Barney” and Ruby (Carter) Starin – Darien, Wis.

A celebration of Bob’s life is being planned at a “warmer” time here. Bob disliked shoveling snow – hence, Las Vegas for 16 years and now Mesa for one year.