Bobby Taylor

Bobby Taylor, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, soon-to-be great-great
grandfather, and friend, departed his earthly home to his heavenly home on Thursday,
November 13, 2025. He was born June 6, 1935 in Salcedo, MO, to Forest and Nora
Taylor. He married the love of his life, Karen Gulbrantson on November 20, 1955. She
predeceased him on July 11, 2024. Bob worked for many years at Atwood, and then later
at Mechanic’s Borg Warner which then became Rockford Powertrain. Bob and Karen
retired to Wappapello, MO in 1994. They lived their dream in the woods until 2018 when
they returned to Rockford, IL to be closer to their children.
He was a faithful man who loved the Lord, his family, his friends, and loved being at
church. Bob took great pleasure in offering hope to lost souls that were hurting during his
many years as chaplain with the Rockford Reachout Jail Ministry. He created memories
with many people such as teaching Sunday School, fishing trips, tea parties with his great-
granddaughters, and sharing his love of the Lord with others.
Survivors include his children, Carey Thorn, Rob (Kathi) Taylor, and Kelly (Steve)
Kleczewski; his brother, Pete “Nark” Taylor, his grandchildren, Jeremy (Erin) Taylor,
Melissa Tidwell, Daniel (Rachel) Stewart, Shanna Taylor, MariJo Thorn, Michael (Robin)
Angelico, Kayla Weckstrom, Jennifer (Trent) Mielke, Jenyl (Eli) Carmean, Bill (Rachel)
Lorscheider, Krystin (Anthony) Cooper, and Justin (Kaitlin) Jones; his great-grandchildren,
Taryn, Ryan, Henry, TJ, Alanna, Audrey, Jorden, Kelseigh, Hayden, Auren, Knox, Lincoln,
Jack, Hannah, Halyn, Hadley, Leila, and Wesley. Numerous nieces, nephews, and many
friends.  Predeceased by his wife, Karen Taylor; his daughter, Bobbi Jo Roseland; his
parents, Forest and Nora Taylor; and siblings, Velvet, Losson, Thomas, John, Ollie,
Virginia, Forest, Alvin, Lonnie, Mary Lou, Ruby, and Coleen.
A celebration of Bob's life will be held at Grace Family Church 3202 Pleasant Valley Blvd
in Rockford on Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation from 10:00 AM
until the time of the service. Rev. Keith Manley and Rev. Ross Miley will be officiating.
Family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by knowing Bob are invited to join in
honoring his memory.
A graveside service will be held at the Wappapello Cemetery on April 25, 2026.
Because of his love for missions, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Renewal
Ministries of Zimbabwe, South Africa www.renewalmin.org, or Crossroads Ministries of
Poplar Bluff, MO www.crossroadsget.help/donate.
Condolences can be mailed to 1624 Columbia Ave., Rockford, IL 61104.

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