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We recieved notice of the passing of Bob Malone on February 17, 2026 after a short illness. He served in the Army during the Viet Nam War. His wife Candy sent the obituary in an email. If you wish to see it please ask me to forward it to you as I don't know how to add it here.
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Bob Malone
Robert Malone ObituaryRobert Joseph Malone Jr.
Born: December 31, 1946
Died: February 17, 2026
It is with great sadness that the family of Robert J. Malone Jr. shares his passing. He passed away peacefully at home after a short illness on February 17, 2026.
Bob was born on December 31, 1946, in Woodstock, Illinois, to Robert Sr. and Mary (Fitzgerald) Malone. He graduated from Crystal Lake Community High School in 1965. During his high school years, he pursued a wide range of interests, including wrestling, contributing to the school newspaper Tiger Tales and participating in the Thespian Club. He was actively involved in numerous school plays, working both behind the scenes on stage crew and performing as an actor.
After his education Bob proudly served his country during the Vietnam War as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve, with Battery C, 5th Battalion, 38th Artillery, 2nd Infantry Division, 8th Army, stationed in South Korea. His military honors include the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Bob was accepted into
Officer Candidate School (OCS) for Artillery and Missile Class 23-66. During his service, he performed duties as a Forward Observer, Battalion Liaison Officer at the Korean Demilitarized Zone, Firing Section Commander and Training Officer for a Basic Combat Training unit.
He was honorably released from active duty in October 1968 with the rank of Second Lieutenant. Continuing his commitment to service in the United States Army Reserve, he ultimately attained the rank of Captain.
Once his time in the Army concluded, Bob carried that same dedication into the things he loved most.
Bob was an avid reader who could read two or three books at the same time without ever losing track of a detail or storyline. He was also skilled in hunting and fishing and especially cherished spending time outdoors with his father, brothers, sons and grandchildren, creating lasting memories on their many outings together.
Bob worked throughout his high school years after school and on weekends at Parkview Bakery in Crystal Lake. His apprenticeship served him well, and he became a Master Baker. He later became an owner of Parkview Bakery alongside family members. On October 18, 1969, he married Candy Disch, and they made their home in Crystal Lake. He later moved his family to McIntosh, Minnesota, to help his parents farm 320 acres. He enjoyed every aspect of farming – from planting and harvesting crops to repairing equipment and tending livestock. The family later moved to Gentilly, Minnesota, where they purchased a 10-acre homestead that included a mobile home, house and barn. They lived in the mobile home while the house was being renovated. Bob's remarkable ability to build, fix and repair anything was put to the test. He spent many long days and sleepless nights completing projects and truly made the house a home.
After a back injury in 1979, he made the decision to return to school. He attended the University of Minnesota Crookston from 1979 to 1980, where he declared a major in Accounting. In 1992, he transferred his credits to Columbia College and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He later pursued graduate studies at Webster University from 1996 to 1998, earning a Master's degree in Business Management with minors in Accounting and Economics. Throughout his academic career, he maintained a 4.0 GPA and was consistently named to the Dean's List.
Bob's professional career was varied and eclectic. He worked as a master baker and owner at Parkview Bakery; head butcher/meat manager at Red Owl Grocery; inside sales representative at Illinois Bell Telephone Company; cement mason/concrete finisher at Leonard and Sons; technical support/inside sales at Follett Software Company; and senior sales associate at Home Depot.
He is survived by his devoted wife,
Candy; his children, Robert (Debbie), Matthew (Sarah) and Johnathan (Megan); his cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth, Robert, Makayla, Meridith, Declan and Finnley; his brothers, Daniel (Marty) and Michael (Sandy); as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Take a moment to remember Bob – his stories, his vibrant personality and the fun-loving antics that made him unforgettable.
The family would like to thank all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time.
Memorial donations may be made to Advocate Health Care (Advocate Hospice Unit), in grateful appreciation for the comfort, dignity and compassionate care provided to Bob and his family.
Donations may be made online at: https://secure.aahgiving.org/site/Donation2?df_id=4888&mfc_pref=T&4888.donation=form1
Interment will be held privately.
If the ending is very sad, it only means the beginning and middle were truly extraordinary.
Arleen Klitz (Klug)
I'm not sure who posted the obituary for Bob but I am grateful! Thank you.