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STERLING – Robert O. Gaumer, 68, of Sterling died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, at his home.
He was born on Dec. 3, 1942, in Sterling, the son of Robert O. and Mildred E. (Reinhart) Gaumer. He married Bonnie Wilsey on Dec. 8, 1962, in Rock Falls.
Bob was the founder, owner, and operator of Heat-Co Heating and Cooling Inc., Sterling, retiring after 29 years in business.
He was a 50-year member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 219 and SMACNA.
He had served on the board of the Dixon Historic Center.
Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, and in his retirement, he and his wife loved traveling.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie; their daughter, Kimberly (Keith) Dirks of Sterling; their son, Mark Gaumer of Ottawa; three grandchildren, Matthew Dirks, Katerina Dirks, and Asher O. Gaumer; brother, Dave (Peggy) Gaumer of Dixon; and brother-in-law, Wells "Ronald" Wilsey of Blue Lake, Calif.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Lola Wilsey.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, 1002 12th Ave., Rock Falls, with the Rev. David Beebe officiating. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
A memorial will be established.