Robert Franklin Stroup

Robert Franklin "Bob" Stroup, 83, Cape Coral, departed this life August 8, 2022, to be united with his wife of 60 years in Heaven for all of eternity.  He was born October 11, 1938, in Olney, Illinois to Ezra and Ruth Canny Stroup, the youngest of 10 children.  He was preceded in death by his parents and all nine siblings.

Bob grew up on a farm in Illinois where he learned to work the earth, fix broken equipment, and be resourceful.  Following grade school, he obtained his GED, and joined the US Marine Corps, faithfully serving his country.  In 1960 he married the love of his life, the former Betty Jane Stickel, in Peoria, Illinois.  They settled in Dunlap, Illinois, and together began raising a family.  Bob was a devoted husband and father to their two children.  He loved the outdoors and would often take the family on fishing and camping trips.  Bob went to work for Cilco (now Ameren Corporation), a large utility company in Peoria, Illinois, where he would become their maintenance foreman.

Bob and Betty enjoyed their many vacations to Sanibel Island, Florida.  So, in 1999 when Bob retired, he and Betty moved to Florida, and built a home in Cape Coral along one of the many canals.  Bob enjoyed hunting and playing golf, but his real passion was fishing.  He would rise early in the morning navigating Cape Coral's canals to reach the bay waters behind Sanibel and Pine Island.  Over the years, he came to know all the "honey holes", where the sea trout would be lurking.

Bob and Betty enjoyed dining out with friends at local restaurants and then going dancing at one of the fraternal clubs to which they belonged.  Bob had an outgoing personality with a friendly smile and easily struck up conversations with strangers.  Nearer to home, he was always helping neighbors with repairs.  He loved growing things, his backyard and lanai are adorned with many beautiful orchids.

In 2020, his lovely wife, Betty, was taken from him.  He is survived by his daughter, Becky Pratt, (son-in-law Pierce) of New Port Richey, FL, and his son, Craig Stroup (daughter-in-law Dana), of Peoria, IL; seven grandsons; and nine great grandchildren.  He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #3957, Moose Lodge #2199, and American Legion Post 90, of Cape Coral.  His ashes will be spread at sea at the same location as his wife, Betty, off of Sanibel Island where they loved to vacation together.