Robert E. "Bob" Ellinger Obituary (1951

Robert “Bob” Eldon Ellinger, affectionately known as “Mouse,” passed away peacefully at his home in Chenoa, Illinois, on June 16, 2026, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was 74. Born several months early on September 11, 1951, to Eldon Robert and Jackie Ellinger ( Roach). Bob was given the nickname “Mouse” as a young boy, a name that remained with him throughout his life and became known and respected by tens of thousands of friends, coworkers, riders, and family members. Bob attended Saunemin schools and graduated from Chenoa High School in 1970. Though he never pursued a traditional college degree, he was a lifelong learner whose many certifications and instructor credentials included tactical operations, firearms instruction, instructor trainer certification, investigations, hostage negotiation, first aid, CPR, Rules of Order, leadership development, and countless other professional programs. He took great pride in continually learning, teaching, and mentoring others. Before beginning his correctional career, Bob worked as a mechanic at Fraher Ford, welder at Caterpillar, and as a farm hand while supporting his growing family. A lifelong Ford enthusiast, he owned Ford trucks throughout his life and still had two at the time of his passing. On May 5, 1983, Bob began what would become a distinguished 28-year career with the Illinois Department of Corrections at Pontiac Correctional Center. During his tenure he served as Lieutenant, statewide tactical leader, investigator, hostage negotiator, firearms instructor, tactical instructor, mentor, and respected leader. He also served for many years as President of AFSCME Local 494 and held numerous executive positions throughout his career. He traveled across the United States, including Hawaii, representing correctional employees, delivering presentations, advocating for organized labor, and meeting national leaders. One of Bob’s most remarkable accomplishments was one that never appeared on a plaque. During his entire 28-year career at Pontiac Correctional Center, he never used a single sick day. Family and coworkers believe he remains the only uniformed employee in Pontiac’s history to accomplish that feat, a record unlikely to ever be broken. In 2008, Bob played an instrumental role in helping save Pontiac Correctional Center from closure. His efforts were featured in a nationally distributed documentary that followed community leaders, correctional staff, and local residents during the fight to preserve the prison and the community it supported. At the time, nine members of Bob’s extended family were employed at Pontiac Correctional Center. Motorcycles were among Bob’s greatest passions. From Gold Wings, and dirt bikes to the Harley-Davidsons he loved throughout his life, Bob logged tens of thousands of miles traveling the country. He eventually served as Illinois State Coordinator for ABATE of Illinois and held leadership positions in multiple chapters. He dedicated countless hours advocating for motorcycle rights, rider education, and safety while forming lifelong friendships throughout the riding community. The ABATE family became an extension of his own family, and Bob could recall names, stories, motorcycles, and memories from nearly every rider he met. Bob’s interests and talents extended far beyond his career. He was a roller-skating instructor at rinks in Pontiac and Morris, an avid bowler who rolled a perfect 300 game along with scores of 299 and 298, two of which occurred on the same evening. He was a devoted golfer whose home course was Wolf Creek, where he participated in countless charity outings, memorial tournaments, and benefit events. He loved NASCAR, supported local racers, enjoyed fishing, and rarely missed an opportunity to spend time outdoors with friends. During retirement, Bob worked at NAPA Auto Parts in Pontiac and was a farm helper to Tim Taylor. Fishing became one of his greatest joys, and each March he looked forward to spending time in Florida, with close friends including the late Fred Underwood, Mike Melvin, Randy Pfister and many others. Bob married his first wife, Julie, August 23 1973, and together they raised three children: Stacy Baumgarte of Sesser, Illinois; Marissa (Johnny) Baumgarte of Valier, Illinois; and Robbie Ellinger of Alabama. Following Julie’s passing in 1995, Bob attended a Pontiac Correctional Center Christmas party where he shared a dance with Judy Cutler, a longtime coworker and friend who was recently single. Encouraged by Judy’s children, Lori and Keith, the two danced the night away and quickly became inseparable. Bob and Judy were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1997, at their home in Chenoa. During their ceremony, an original song based on a poem Bob had written for Judy was performed by his stepdaughter Lori, who helped turn his words into music. Their marriage was a true partnership built on love, friendship, family, motorcycles, and adventure. Next year would have marked their 30th wedding anniversary. Together they built a life on their Livingston County property and became deeply involved in wildlife rehabilitation through Judy’s nonprofit organization, Raccoon Ridge Rehab. Bob embraced the unusual lifestyle wholeheartedly. He accepted it all with patience, humor, and love. Being a lifelong Disney fan, he made several pilgrimages with his kids and later grandkids to the Mouse’s House in Florida. Bob was a devoted husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend. He was loving a father to Stacy, Marissa & Robbie. Plus a bonus Dad to Lori (Tom) Smerz of Farmer City, Illinois, and Keith (Tina) Thrasher of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He was a proud grandfather to Chance Dicks, Trevor (Kaitlyn) Dicks, Devin (Hunter )Casteel, Julie, Samantha, Cody, Riley and Lexi Baumgarte and a cherished great-grandfather to Adaleigh, Brynlee, and Teagan Dicks and Kaybrin Baumgarte. Bob is also survived by his beloved sisters, Linda (Danny) Koenig, Sandy Ellinger (Randy Cribbett), both of Pontiac, and Susie (Jamie) Dunning of Oreana, Illinois, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friend Roger Garner, his ABATE family, and countless friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon Ellinger and Jackie Branz; his first wife, Julie; his son-in-law, David; and numerous cherished family members and friends. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, coworkers, riders, correctional officers, neighbors, and loved ones whose prayers, visits, calls, messages, and support brought comfort during Bob’s final months. Bob never met a stranger, rarely missed a retirement party, funeral, golf outing, motorcycle event, or family gathering, and always had whatever someone needed when they forgot it. He was known for his fairness, loyalty, generosity, and willingness to help others. He lived a life filled with purpose, service, friendship, and love. ABATE of Illinois will celebrate Bob’s life during its annual gathering in Petersburg, Illinois, where a commemorative Colors Patch has been created in his honor. ABATE of Indiana will also hold a memorial and dedicate a commemorative brick recognizing Mouse’s lifelong contributions to motorcycling and rider advocacy. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Backstretch Bar & Grill in Pontiac, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by VENMO @Raccoon -Ridge -Rehab in Bob’s memory. A life measured not merely by years, but by friendships made, lives touched, miles ridden, hands helped, and love shared.