John Robert "Bob" Van Schaik

John Robert “Bob” Van Schaik, 76, of Rockford, passed away on May 23, 2023. He was born on June 7, 1946, in East Dubuque, IL, the son of John William and Mary June (Miller) Van Schaik. Bob served in the U.S. Army. He is a veteran of Vietnam War, retiring as a Sergeant in the 25th Infantry Division. He married the love of his life, Vicki Wohlfert on April 18, 1985, in Rockford. He worked as a screw machine operator for Specialty Screw. Bob, or also known as Trapper John, owned B&B Nuisance Wildlife Removal for over 30 years. In his younger years he enjoyed tae kwon doe. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and animal trapping. He loved drag racing and truck pulls with his son, Bobby. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed playing the slots at Paradise Slots. He was known for being a hardworking, stubborn, and honest man who loved and cherished his family.

Bob is survived by those who love him most; his wife, Vicki; children, Bobby Van Schaik and Lisa (Van Schaik) Paget; stepdaughters, Tiffany (Ed) Kindred, Tammy (Bimbo Horn) Horsley, and Kim (Tom Davis) Dunaway; grand dog, Kam Dog; 7 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; sisters, Pat Driscoll, Arlene Noe, Sue (Don) Phillips, and Rita Stephens; longtime friend, Clark Gatewood; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents; sisters, Joanne, Peggy, Lois and Helen; and stepson in law, Robert “Bobby” Horsley.

The family would like to give a special thank you to OSF St. Anthony, Van Mater, and the OSF Hospice Nurses and CNA’s.

A funeral service will be on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 12:00 pm, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford 61108. A night before visitation will be on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. To watch the service via zoom, please use the meeting ID: 858.1690.6267 with passcode 12345. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery, Beloit. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Please share memories and condolences online.