STEWARD — Robert C. Macklin, age 94, of Steward, IL and Scottsdale, AZ, passed away at the Serenity Hospice and Home on Sunday, December 17, 2023.  He was born on February 11, 1929 in DeKalb, IL, the son of Jesse J. and Mary (Bentley) Macklin.  He served in the U.S. Army.  Bob married Patricia Woulf on April 12, 1953 in Steward, IL.  He started Macklin Bros. in 1953 with his brother.  The company later became Macklin Incorporated, which Bob enjoyed running with his daughter.  He retired as the CEO at the age of 90.  Bob loved spending time with his family and enjoyed many years of being a pilot.  He had the opportunity to fly his own aircraft, fly air rallies with his daughter, and fly a fighter jet in Russia.  A highlight of his life was his trip to the North Pole where he literally “walked around the world”.  Bob served on the Rochelle Airport Advisory Board, and also as the Mayor of Steward.  He was a member of the Tebala Shriners and was a 32nd degree Mason.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Dale Macklin.

Survived by his wife of 70 years, Patricia; daughter, Maryann Macklin; granddaughter, Eleanor Macklin, the light of his life; special friends, Sue, Jay, Haley (Anthony) and Kendall (Nicki) Schaub; sister-in-law, Wanda Macklin; and 2 nephews, Jim and Greg Macklin.

Visitation will be from 4 - 7 pm on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle.  Funeral will be at 10 am on Friday, December 22, 2023 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home with the Rev. Il Han You officiating. Burial will follow at the Steward Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to: Serenity Hospice and Home or the Steward United Methodist Church. Guest book at www.UngerHorner.com