OREGON — Robert (Bob) H. Ryder, age 80, passed away on April 26, 2024 in Oregon, IL. Bob was born on November 20, 1943, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the late Dr. Randall and Florence (Rodman) Ryder.
Bob spent his early childhood in Minneapolis, MN where he became a lifelong Minnesota Vikings fan. He then moved to Iowa City, IA where he graduated from Iowa City High School at the age of 16. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa where he received his B.S. and M.S. Later in life, he also received his degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University.
Bob started his career as a high school science teacher at Oregon High School (OHS). He continued to stay connected with OHS as football and wrestling coach, long-time school board member and President, and also as a parent. After leaving teaching, he practiced as a CPA at Lindgren, Calihan, Van Osdol, Ltd. for many years before pursuing other ventures.
Bob had many interests outside his professional life from piloting airplanes to SCUBA diving in tropical locations to skiing and hiking and the list goes on. He was also always looking for ways to give back to the community and was an active member and President of the Oregon Kiwanis club. He was an avid reader. Bob also loved the outdoors. He was a steward of his property, spending countless hours tending to his gardens, mowing the grass, feeding the wild birds, and enjoying the beauty of the Rock River. Most of all, he enjoyed being a devoted father to his daughters, Kate and Sara, and grandfather to his grandchildren, Sophia, Zachary, and Mia. He will be remembered a man with a kind heart, quick wit, a gentle smile, and an agent of honesty.
A visitation to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at the Cork & Tap, 305 W. Washington St., Oregon, IL, at 5pm-7pm on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 and a memorial service will be held at 10am on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at the Oregon United Methodist Church, 200 S. 4th St., Oregon, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made via check to Kiwanis of Oregon/Mt. Morris, 601 W 1st St., Mt. Morris, IL 61054, in Bob’s memory.
Bob was proceeded in death by his wife, Nancy Ryder, and is survived by his daughters, Kate Lazar, Chicago, IL, Sara (Bill) Tsioles, Arlington Heights, IL, three grandchildren, Sophia Tsioles, Zachary Lazar and Mia Tsioles, his sister Carol (Ed) Kelso, and brother Randall Ryder.
