Robert J. "Bob" Zoch

March 24, 1950 - December 3, 2016

Robert J (Bob) Zoch, passed away on December 3, 2016. Nursing staff was ensuring
he was comfortable, with family and friends just outside the door, when Bob left to walkthe Griffin Woods in the Sky with his trusty dog, Job.

A lifelong resident of Springfield, Bob was born March 24, 1950, the son of James E
and Wanda J (Estes) Zoch.

Bob managed to graduate from Springfield High despite being suspended because his
hair was too long as well as many other acts of bad conduct from grade school on. He
dabbled in college at University of Illinois, Cham-bana, and Lincoln Land in Springfield, but playing bridge and discussing the ideas of the day were more entertaining for him than the classroom. And with his eclectic taste in literature, music, and current events, you never knew what tangent Bob would take a discussion.

To support himself, he drove a cab around Springfield for years, no doubt regaling his fares with stories, real and imagined, just like he did his friends.

Surprisingly, he went to work at the Office of the Illinois Secretary of State in the late 1980s and continued to be employed there in various departments until his death. He was very proud to be a Union Steward at the Secretary of State, representing his fellow employees and working to organize other businesses in the Central Illinois area.

Bob was not all work and no play. An active volunteer at APL and the Feline Ranch
adoption sites on Saturday morning, he would be there to cheer and fluff up his new
feline friends in hopes that they would find forever homes.
Lover of birds, bridge, Beethoven, and The Blues, Bob was best known for being an
avid baseball fan of The New York Yankees, although he did grudgingly say “good for
them” after that marvelous Cub Game 7 victory.

Bob is survived by his feline friends Blitzen and Sweet Pea, brother John (Patricia) of Harrow, ON, sister Jan of Denver, CO, nephews Adam of Windsor, ON, and Jean
(Jessica) of Berkeley, CA, a charming great nephew, a beloved Aunt Doris, and many
friends – old and young in age and from grade school to last week in duration.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Forever Home Feline Ranch in
Rochester, Boy Scout Troop 3 or the flower gardens at Douglas Avenue Methodist
Church.

Visitation Information

Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Time: 05:00 pm - 07:00 pm

Staab Funeral Home - Springfield

Address:

1109 South Fifth Street

Springfield, Illinois 62703

217-528-6461 Map

Service Information

Date: Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Time: 07:00 pm

Staab Funeral Home - Springfield

Address:

1109 South Fifth Street

Springfield, Illinois 62703

217-528-6461 Map

Memorial Information

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Forever Home Feline Ranch in
Rochester, Boy Scout Troop 3 or the flower gardens at Douglas Avenue Methodist
Church.

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Anna Marie Hubbs posted on 12/7/16

Thank you Bob for being a friend to me for over 16 years. We would sit outside on break and he would be playing his computer bridge game and we would talk about many things. He was funny and insightful. My prayers to his family.

Bonnie gray and bubba bubba posted on 12/6/16

We worked with zoch at the sec of state. He was a nice and kind person. To his family you are in our thoughts and prayers.

E. Jeanine White posted on 12/6/16

I found a mother and her 2 kittens on my property I started to feed them manage to catch them and had them spayed through APL all females. The mother which I named Olive Oil because she was so thin ran off. Fluffy and Sweet Pea remained (outside cats) Fluffy got sick and died. Concerned about Sweet Pea meeting the same fate or a predator getting her, I asked Bob to adopt her, he did he saved her life. Several of Bobs cats that passed on have been put to rest here on my property. He was so good to the animals.

E. Jeanine White posted on 12/6/16

One New Years Eve years ago my supervisor had tickets to see "CATS" at the Fox Theatre in St Louis and couldn't use and gave to me. Called Bob first to see if he would go. To my surprise he said yes. It was hard to get Bob to go somewhere. We drove down saw the Broadway show and drove back we had a great time.

E. Jeanine White posted on 12/6/16

When I realized that Bob was taking his laundry mat, I offered for him to do it at my house. He took up my offer. My 4 dogs would get so excited when he got here. Bob would have a slim Jim stashed in his pocket would take it out and with his pocketknife cut in equal pieces with the doggy audience jumping at his feet to get a tasty morsel. While he was here we had many conversations on everything. He enjoyed coming here although I'm on the edge of town I have a nice variety if birds and other wildlife he enjoyed.

E. Jeanine White posted on 12/6/16

Bob was a true blue friend to me. He was the kinda guy no matter what you did in your life good or bad he was always faithful. I met Bob at the Roadhouse when I was 17, although at first thought he was crude , I soon learned how smart and comical he was. He had a way of putting people in their place without causing any hard feelings. He was a unique person.

Greg Gobleman posted on 12/6/16

Good times talking about the Blues and solving world problems, when we worked together at SOS. You will be missed!

dave smysor posted on 12/6/16

Some of the boys stole the hood off Bobs car one winter night just to go sledding. Bob never got upset. Good memories....RIP

Minak posted on 12/5/16

You will be missed! Kinamay

Minak posted on 12/5/16

You will be missed! Kina may

Jayne Williams Pierson posted on 12/5/16

I remember Bob from High School Homeroom and Grant Jr. High. We sat by each other in many classes. I want to express sympathy for your loss; remembrance of him as a fun, intelligent person; and prayers for those who grieve.

mark cantrall posted on 12/5/16

I'll always remember Bob as one of the "Road House" originals . He was a kind and funny guy, with a low key personality, that was always willing to help out his friends, of which he had many . RIP

mark cantrall posted on 12/5/16

I'll always remember Bob as one of the "Road House" originals . He was a kind and funny guy, with a low key personality, that was always willing to help out his friends, of which he had many . RIP

Lana Stickan posted on 12/5/16

I remember Bob from our first year at Grant Jr High. What a milestone in our teen years. He was always intelligent, sweet, semi-quiet, and very laid back. RIP Bob.

Cathy Loyd posted on 12/5/16

Lots of great times with Bob in the 70's and 80's at the Roadhouse, Roamies, the Cellar, our House on 5th street and at softball. I remember the first time I went to the Roadhouse after work and I was too timid to go in. Bob and Noble sat on the porch with me for hours and gave me my first "Mc" nickname. One of many from Zoch. I loved listening to great music and playing cards with Bob and trying to learn bridge. He was so caring about all of the cats he rescued and just loved animals in general. He was a great friend too when my dad passed about 10 years ago. Showing up and helping out after the funeral. He managed to just show up at the tough times. It was hard seeing him get so sick so quickly. He will be missed by all of his old friends. My condolences to his sister and brother and nephews. See ya on the other side Bob the Zoch.

James Long posted on 12/5/16

Bob was a Class of 68 member. Bob and I went to high school and in our younger days, we played on the Douglas Church Kourey League baseball team. We will miss you brother, and may you RIP.

Nobel Maddux posted on 12/5/16

I have very fond memories of my brief time living with Bob in the Swingin' Cellar. I was one of several, Gary, Rick, Cody, and others who were privileged to have lived with Bob. He is certainly an unforgettable s.o.b.

Rita Payne posted on 12/5/16

My deepest sympathy to the Zoch family and all of Bob's dear friends. He was a special friend to many. Rest In Peace dear friend. Rita

Annette posted on 12/5/16

Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Our heavenly Father gives us comfort and hope for those who have fallen asleep in death. John 5:28,29 Revelation 21:3-5 Psalms 37:29

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