Robert J. Blackburn

Robert J. Blackburn, 70, of Ottawa, IL, died, Thursday, September 24, 2009 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at St. Patrick's Church in Ottawa, with the Rev. Philip Halfacre officiating. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 - 7 pm, Monday, September 28 with prayers at 4:00 PM with the Knights of Columbus in attendance at Ottawa Funeral Home. Robert Blackburn was born April 23, 1939, in Ottawa, to Delbert J. and Gladys (Welsh) Blackburn. He married Ann Schirz on January 21, 1967 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ottawa. He served in the United States Army for four years. He worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation for 35 years in Land Acqusition. He was a member of St. Patrick Church and Knights of Columbus. He loved to golf and watch sports, and enjoyed coaching and assisting his sons in their various team sports. He also enjoyed spending the day at Starved Rock and picnicking with his wife at Buffalo Rock. He is survived by his wife Ann; two sons, Timothy Blackburn of Springfield IL, and Michael (Rebekah) Blackburn of Morris, IL; one granddaughter, Alex; and one brother, Russell Blackburn of Hasting Neb. He was preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be Paul, John, Tom, Nick, and Randy Schirz, and Jeff Johnson. Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick's Church or donor's choice.