Robert A. Bach, Sr., 92, of Bradenton, FL, formerly of East Peoria, peacefully passed away with his family by his side, on Friday, January 2, 2026, at his home. He was born in Newton, IA on July 26, 1933, to Carl and Erma (Roesler) Bach. He married Judith Gould on June 15, 1957, in Creve Coeur; she preceded him in death on July 5, 2014.
He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Margaret "Peg" Banfleth, Caroline Smith, Carl Bach; nephews, Greg Will, Kenneth Bach, and Thomas Bach; and his son-in-law, Kevin Brummitt.
He is survived by his children, Robert A., Jr. (Lynn) Bach of and Jane A. Bach-Brummitt, both of East Peoria; grandchildren, Trina (Court) Oakes and Robin Bach, both of Washington and Jason (Courtney) Bach-Randolph of Port Charlotte, FL; and great grandchildren, Sydney, Jaxson, Ella, Sommer, Brooklynn, Travis, Charlie Mae, and Palmer.
After graduating from EPCHS in 1951, Robert spent two years in the Army from 1953 to 1955. He was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers for 69 years, where he held roles such as apprenticeship coordinator and business agent. He developed and constructed the Navy Pier marina in East Peoria, subsequently selling it to the East Peoria Boat Club. He then created and built another harbor/marina in East Peoria, currently owned by the East Peoria Boat Club, which recently organized a major fundraising event known as the Polar Plunge. The harbor was officially designated by the Army Corps of Engineers as the R.A. Bach Boat Basin.
Robert played a key role in collaborating with William Rutherford on the establishment of Wildlife Prairie Park, as well as contributing to numerous infrastructure projects, including roads and buildings throughout Illinois.
A dedicated member of the Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois Hilton Lodge #1143 for 50 years, Robert achieved the rank of Master Mason. He was also a member of Abbas Grotto for 51 years and sat on the Supreme Council for Grottoes International.
The family will receive friends from 2–3 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Gary Deiters Funeral Home & Cremation Services in East Peoria, with a Masonic Service at 3 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join a celebration of Robert's life at the East Peoria Boat Club at 4 p.m. Private burial will be at Fondulac Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Dogs Inc. (www.dogsinc.com or mail to 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, FL, 34221) or . Online condolences may be left at www.GaryDeitersFH.com.
