Robert "Bob" Shorten

Robert “Bob” Shorten, 74, of Milan, passed away, Tuesday, May 4, 2026 at Trinity Rock Island.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home. The family will greet friends from 9:00 am until the time of the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Moline Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. (colorectalcancer.org)

Robert Keith Shorten, known to most as Bob, was born on December 6, 1951, in Moline, Illinois, to Johnny and Erma (Olson) Shorten. He passed away on May 4, 2026—a date made especially meaningful by his love for the Star Wars films, often celebrated as “May the Fourth be with you.”

Bob was a soft-spoken man with a heart of gold. Though gentle in demeanor, his kindness and sincerity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He lived his life with integrity, humility, and a deep sense of compassion for everyone he met.

A Certified Public Accountant by profession, Bob had a natural gift with numbers and took pride in his meticulous attention to detail. His strong work ethic and dedication were evident in everything he did, both professionally and personally.

Outside of work, Bob found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved fast cars, classic rock and roll, and tackling home improvement projects. He cherished time spent traveling with his family, creating lifelong memories on trips to Florida, Disney World, Wisconsin Dells, and Branson, Missouri. He also enjoyed watching Star Wars, a series he appreciated not only for its storytelling but for the fun and connection it brought across generations.

Bob was deeply committed to his community and spent many years involved with the Boy Scouts of America. He served in several roles, most notably with Troop 212 based out of Immanuel Lutheran School in Rock Island, Illinois. Among his proudest accomplishments was helping guide his two sons, Michael and Nicholas, to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout—an achievement that reflected both his dedication as a father and his commitment to shaping strong, capable young men.

In later years, Bob was known as a fighter—strong-willed, resilient, and determined. But above all else, he was a devoted father and grandfather. His five granddaughters were the light of his life. He never missed an opportunity to give them big hugs and kisses, and he never ended a conversation with his sons without reminding them to pass along that same love to the girls.

Bob is survived by his two sons, Nicholas (Amber) Shorten and their daughters Elizabeth, Zayah, and Avreanna; and Michael (Jennifer) Shorten and their daughters Erika and Blake. He is also survived by his sister, Pam (Bud) Felts, and their sons Brian, Johnny, and David; as well as his best friend and longtime girlfriend, Janet Wilker.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Johnny and Erma Shorten.

Bob’s life was one of quiet impact—measured not in grand gestures, but in consistent love, steady guidance, and genuine compassion. His memory will live on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished.

May the Fourth be with him, always.