It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert Eugene Nixon on December 15, 2025, a man of unwavering kindness and integrity, who departed this life peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and strength. Born on September 13, 1943, in Bloomington, Illinois, Bob lived a life marked by steadfastness, thoughtfulness, and remarkable attention to detail.
Bob grew up on a farm in Farmer City, Illinois, and graduated from Deland-Weldon High School. His lifelong love of learning led him to the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1965 and a Master of Business Administration in 1967.
Bob enjoyed a distinguished 50-year career in financial services. He spent 32 years with John Deere, beginning at the Waterloo facility and later moving to the Moline headquarters, where he ultimately served as President of the John Deere Insurance Group. He later joined Intellicents in Albert Lea, Minnesota, where he dedicated 18 additional years and retired as Senior Vice President.
Above all else, Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce; daughters Tempest Ann Arends (Brad) and Heidi Kay Brandt (Rod); grandchildren Amanda, Abbey, Emily, Cody, Zach (Dani Baum), and Joe; and his dearly loved sisters, Karen Kay Turner (Gary) and Connie Lee Ellis (Tom). To his family, Bob was a steady source of wisdom, encouragement, and love, quietly modeling thoughtfulness and kindness in everyday life.
A man of faith, Bob worshiped at several churches throughout his life, including Fullerton Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Farmer City, Illinois, where he was baptized; Grace Reformed Church in Waterloo, Iowa; Pleasant View Baptist Church in Pleasant Valley, Iowa; and First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota. His faith was grounded in the words of Jesus Christ, particularly John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Bob’s interests included playing cards, reading, cooking, and golf. He had a special gift for conversation and was an attentive listener who genuinely cared about others, often following up with thoughtful questions that reflected his sincere interest.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Vernelle Nixon and Bernadine Evelyn Toepfer Nixon, and his grandparents, Thomas and Lyda Nixon, and Josephine and Henry Toepfer.
Two services will be held to celebrate Bob’s life. A celebration of life will take place on January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 17, 2026, with his funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City, IL. A brief graveside prayer for family members will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.
As we remember Bob, may we honor his legacy by extending the same kindness, faith, and care to others that he so freely shared.
