Robert Andrew “Bob” Durand, 83, of Pontoosuc, Illinois, passed away 12:25 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2025 at the Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst, Illinois.
Bob was born January 5, 1942 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of Frank and Florence (Auge) Durand. He was raised in Fort Madison, Iowa, and was a 1959 graduate of the former Aquinas High School. On February 16, 1963 he married Kathy VanHyning in Fort Madison. They later divorced. On December 2, 1989 he married Judy Walker in Pontoosuc. She survives.
Shortly after high school, Bob began his Carpenter’s Apprenticeship with the Local 410 Union. He remained with the Union until 1991. In 1991, he joined his son, Keith, in the operation of Durand Construction, where he worked the remainder of his life. He also proudly served as Mayor of Pontoosuc for 36 years.
Bob was a member of the Riverview Sportsman of Dallas City. He enjoyed hunting and being on the river; boating and fishing. He owned his first boat before he even had a bicycle. He also enjoyed attending the Goose Festival with his friends in Sumner, Missouri.
Besides his wife, Judy, survivors include two children: Karen Durand of Dallas City and Keith (Shari) Durand of Dallas City; two grandsons: Dylan Heins of Donnellson, Iowa and Colton Durand of Dallas City; two great-grandsons: Aaron and Abraham Heins; one sister: Jane Klesner of Fort Madison; two brothers: Tom (Corinne) Durand of Dallas City and Richard (Scarlet) Durand of Fort Madison and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson: Andrew “Andy” Heins.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at the Pontoosuc Community Church with Pastor Josh Yeakey officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
Following the celebration, a luncheon will be held at the former Pontoosuc Church building, as well as a time for fellowship at the Pontoosuc Village Hall.
A private family burial will be held at Myers Cemetery, Dallas City. A memorial fund has been established for the Riverview Sportsmen of Dallas City.