Robert E. “Bob” Bailleu, 83, of Kewanee, passed away peacefully at 3:38 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at OSF Saint Luke Medical in Kewanee.

He was born on April 3, 1943, in Kewanee, the son of Herman Rudolph and Marion (Bergren) Bailleu. He married Margret “Peggy” Harmon at St. Peters Church in Kewanee on Oct. 23, 1965, and she preceded him in death on April 16, 2018. He later married Patricia L. Martin on June 27, 2020. Survivors include his wife, Patti of Kewanee, daughter, Brenda (John) Mannin of Indianapolis, Ind., son, Rob (LeeAnn) Bailleu of Kewanee, stepdaughter, Vicki (Joe) Conner of Galva, his grandchildren; Emmerson Mannin, Olivia Mannin (William Rulon), Spencer Bailleu and August Mannin and two step grandchildren, T.J. Conner and Tori Conner. Also surviving are a sister, Nancy (the late David) Nordstrom of Galva, sister-in-law, Jacki Bailleu of Texas, plus a host of nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents, brother, John Bailleu and a sister, Dorothy Jean in childhood.

Bob graduated from Kewanee High School in 1961 and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era. After returning to Kewanee, he owned Bailleu Builders and built many Kewanee homes. He owned and operated B&B Printing in Kewanee from 1976 until his retirement in 2011. He was a member of the Church of Peace, the Midwest Tool Collectors Club, and a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Kewanee having served as their president from 1996-97. He enjoyed building and renovating houses, collecting glassware and cooking. His greatest joy was spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 31 at the Church of Peace in rural Kewanee with Pastor Andrew Christman officiating. A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 30 at the funeral home. The burial will be in Garden of Peace Cemetery in rural Kewanee where military rites will be accorded by the Kewanee Veterans Council. The family asks that memorials be directed to the Church of Peace Improvement Fund.