Robert (Bob) Vadnais

Bob was born in Escanaba, Michigan on September 1, 1933, to the late Clifford W. and Ceal K. Vadnais. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1952. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving between 1952 and 1956. He earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and English and a master’s degree in speech, and had a long career as an educator, teaching both in Escanaba and in Woodstock. Bob was a skilled woodworker and built his own home after retiring.

Bob met his sweetheart, Esther (Bersch), from Sheboygan, Wisconsin, while attending St. Norbert College. They were married September 7, 1957, and were together for 66 years. Bob loved his family above all else. He cherished each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild.

Bob leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Esther; his four children, Anne (Tim) Wignall, Cliff (Vernie) Vadnais, Julie (Rick) Martin, and Frank (Diane) Vadnais; 10 grandchildren (Andrew, deceased); and eight great-grandchildren; one brother, John (Mary) Vadnais; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, November 10 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home in Woodstock, Illinois. There will be a 10:30 a.m. Catholic Funeral Mass on Saturday, November 11 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to: JourneyCare Hospice at ambercare.com/donate-2, or Woodstock Food Pantry at woodstockfoodpantry.org.