Lubertus A. "Bob" Van Apeldoorn Obituary (1944 - 2023)

Bob Van Apeldoorn, a long-time resident of Clinton, Illinois, passed away at the age of 79 on Wednesday, November 22, 2023. Bob was born October 7, 1944, in Den Dolder, Netherlands to Hendrik and Anthonia Van Apeldoorn. Bob proudly served in the Royal Dutch Air Force, prior to migrating to the U.S. Upon arrival in the U.S., Bob started working for a natural gas conversion company that traveled across the states, until he made residency in Clinton, IL. Using his unique mechanical skills, he was later hired by the Clinton Power Plant in the 1970's to help with construction. Being a car-aficionado and hard worker, Bob worked for Shell Downs Motors, then opened his own business, Bob's Import Sales and Service, where he specialized in foreign cars for many years and enjoyed collecting many of his own. Bob was the proud father of Gina (Jason) Defebaugh, Jessie (Kat) Van Apeldoorn, and Erik (Tracy) Van Apeldoorn. He was Grandpa to Taelor, Morgan, Rylee, Brently, and Great Grandpa to Hazel. Bob had one younger brother, the late Dirk Van Apeldoorn. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Gea Van Apeldoorn, a nephew, Ray Van Apeldoorn, and a cousin, Carla Van Apeldoorn, all still of the Netherlands. Bob loved to travel and went to his share of auto races and Mississippi golf courses. Bob was a past Exalted Ruler of the Clinton Elks Club 785 and enjoyed spending time with friends there, and at the Clinton Eagles Club. Bob left his mark in life and will be missed by all who knew him. Memorials may be made to: The Dewitt County EMS, The Kenney Fire Department, or The PC Project (Pachyonychia Congenita). A celebration of life will be held 2 PM- 6 PM on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the Clinton Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge located at 220 N. Center St. Clinton, IL. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites.