Robert "Bob" Walsh

Robert “Bob” D. Walsh, 81, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully at his home on August 15th, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 20, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Ottawa Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, August 21, at 10:00am, at St. Patrick's Church, with Msgr. Mark Merdian officiating. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery.

Bob was born on July 20, 1943, to William and Florence Walsh. On June 6, 1964, he married the love of his life, Mary “Betty” Besenhard, at St. Columba Church.

A dedicated and skilled union pipefitter, Bob worked with Local 81 and Local 597 for 45 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Patrick Church and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Bob was an avid Chicago Bears fan and cherished the simple pleasures of life. He could often be found on his farm, tending to his garden, or taking drives with his beloved dog, Moon. One of his favorite traditions was attending the annual “Walsh Family Reunion” every St. Patrick’s Day.

Above all, Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who always put his family first. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary “Betty” Walsh; his four children: Kerri Walsh, Kathi Johnson (Bill), Karla Kellogg (Derek), and Karyn Manganello (Dennis); and his cherished grandchildren: Shane Johnson, Carley, Ashley, and Ryan DeMoss, and Jayden and Vincent Manganello. He is also survived by his sister, Katherine (Kay) Woodworth.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William and Florence Walsh; his brothers, Jerry and Ed Walsh; and his grandson, Nicholas Johnson.

Pallbearers will be Bob’s grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be his nephews, Mark Walsh and Scott Walsh, and his brother-in-law, Guy Woodworth.