Robert John Vance

Robert "Bob" J. Vance, 91, of Davenport, died on June 24, 2026, at Mercy One Genesis East. A graveside service will be held to honor Robert at the Rock Island National Cemetery on Monday, June 29, 2026. Immediate family is invited to gather for procession to the cemetery at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home in Davenport by 8:30 am. A celebration of life for Bob will be held at a later date.

Robert John Vance was born on August 14, 1934, in Iowa City, a son of Eugene and Anna (Kluever) Vance. He was a graduate of Davenport High School. He married the love of his life, Peggy Hesson, on May 13, 1973, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Davenport, after meeting her as his nurse. Bob was employed for over forty years at Swan Engineering in Bettendorf as a tool and die maker.

As a child of the Great Depression, Bob grew up with grit, determination, and a strong sense of valuing a dollar. Bob enjoyed tinkering on his cars, fishing, gambling, cheering on his children, and later his grandchildren in their sports and interests. Teaching his children to fish was a source of pride for him. He loved his trips to Las Vegas, even honeymooning there with Peggy after the two were married, and taking trips with John and Laura when they were older. He made over 20 trips to the Wisconsin Dells to fish the Wisconsin River, many with Peggy and later with John and Laura. Bob enjoyed his Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. He may have enjoyed his bowls of ice cream the most.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, John (Tara) Vance, and Laura Carlson; grandchildren, Colby Carlson, Jenna Carlson, Morgan Vance, and Hayden Vance; and a brother, William “Bill” (Cathy) Vance.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, parents, stepfather, Jack Foster, and brother, Richard Vance.