Robert Joseph Byler, age 92, went home to be with the Lord on January 3, 2025. He was born at home on July 13, 1932 to Elmer and Irene (Slagel) Byler, in Clarence Center, NY. From there, the family moved to Flanagan, IL. In 1945, they came to the Dakota, IL area where he lived until moving to Freeport six years ago. Bob graduated from Dakota High School in 1950. He served in the US Army from 1952-1954 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was a member of the Freeport Mennonite Church. Bob married Janice C. Lehman on November 20, 1960. They celebrated 64 years of marriage this past year. Bob worked various jobs, including farming with his dad, before ending up at Micro Switch. He drove truck and then became a maintenance carpenter. He retired after 37 years of service.

He was a volunteer fireman with the Dakota Fire Dept. He served in many positions at the Freeport Mennonite Church as well as MCC Meat Canning and Mennonite Disaster Service. Bob loved woodworking and made many beautiful things over the years. He was never afraid to try something new. He also enjoyed reading, Bluegrass music, biking, and family history. Over the years, Bob and Janice traveled in the U.S. and Canada to visit family, sight see and attend Bluegrass Festivals. Bob loved to talk, and he knew everyone and who they were related to.

Bob is survived by his wife Janice, two children: Pattie Lamoreux and Allen Byler; 3 grandsons: Robert (Katie) Lamoreux, Issac (Olivia) Lamoreux, and Ben Lamoreux; and great-granddaughters: Lydia and Audrey Lamoreux.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sister Dorothy (Paul) Snider, and brother James (Jen) Byler.

He will be laid to rest at the Freeport Mennonite Church Cemetery. No visitation will be held. The funeral service will be Monday January 13, 2025 at 11 AM, at the Freeport Mennonite Church, officiated by Pastor Dennis Buss. A luncheon will follow at the church. A memorial has been established in his name. The family wishes to thank the staff at Stephenson Nursing Center, FHN Hospital, and FHN Hospice for the care they gave to Bob. We also thank many others who have helped us over the past year.