Robert W Minard

Robert W. Minard, 86, of Rock Island, died on Sunday, July 14th, 2013 at Heartland Healthcare Center, Moline following a lengthly illness. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 27th, at First Baptist Church, 3030 - 30th Street, Rock Island. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p. m. on Friday at the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island. Wendt Funeral Home of Moline is handling the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the church. Robert W. Minard was born in Rock Island on December 30, 1926, to Louis and Elizabeth (Siebel) Minard. On May 20, 1951, he married Lois Goetz in Moline Gospel Temple. She preceded him in death December 22, 2005. He was a graduate of Rock Island High School. In earlier years, he was a licensed pilot and member of the Interstate Cadets Flying Club. He was a Medical Technologist at the former Martin Clinical Labortory, for 48 years. He then worked for Metro Labs for several more, before retiring in 2005. He was a long-time member of the former Moline Gospel Temple. Around his house and the local pro wrestling community, he was known as "Fats". Despite being in his 80s, he would offen assist with loading and un-loading his son 's wrestling ring and lighting gear, and accompanied the crews on several long-distance road trips to shows. Survivors include, daughter Deborah (Dennis) Ripley of Wheaton, IL; son: Robert A. Minard of Rock Island; brother; William (Joyce) Minard of Bettendorf, IA; grandchildren; Matthew (Carla) Ripley of Chicago, Mark (Jennifer) Ripley of Lake in the Hills, IL, Christian (Annette) Ripley of Chicago, Gregory Ripley of Wheaton, and extended grandson Maurice Cady of Davenport; great-grandchildren; Alayna and Blake Ripley, and extended great-grandson Logan Day-Cady; and family pets: "Spud", "Woody", and "Oscar". In addition to his beloved wife of 54 years, he was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother: Lester Minard.

To send a flower arrangement to the family of

Robert W Minard , please click here to visit our Sympathy Store .