Rob K. Isom's Obituary
Rob K. Isom, 60, passed away at home peacefully in his sleep on his birthday, Friday October 13th, 2023. Rob was born on October 13th, 1963, in Springfield, Illinois to Bob & Virginia Isom.
He had family in Springfield that was heavily involved in SFD where he developed a passion for firefighting. He graduated in 1982 from Eisenhower High school. While there, he joined a junior firefighter program through Decatur Fire Department. He trained with them and wrote a “Stop Drop & Roll” program for the Decatur elementary schools. Rob began his culinary career at 15 as a pot and pan washer at South Side Country Club under the tutelage of the “infamous” Bond brothers. They instilled in him the skills to mature into the Master Chef that he became. He helped open Josephine’s and Snak’s Park Avenue. From there he went to the Brown Jug, where he met his beautiful wife, Denise. He then continued his culinary journey as Executive Chef of the Best Western, Robbies, Decatur Country Club, helped re-opened Stoney’s in Dalton City, moved to the Country Club of Decatur, and finally, the Decatur Conference Center.
Rob cooked for some incredible people. Dr. Hook, Dignitaries, Mikhail Gorbachev & the Prime Minister of Canada, Brian Mulroney. He found himself in an elevator with Whitey Herzog & Ernie Banks who were staying at the Decatur Club and persuaded them to sign his baseball. He cherished it! He always had a loyal staff wherever he was. Rob was a teacher and trained his people in the right way to prepare food. He did not accept anything but the best for his guests. His staff loved working beside him.
He loved to go into the fire station to do ride alongs with the fire department and whatever house he was in, he prepared a gourmet meal for the firefighters. When other houses found out Rob was at one of the other stations, they were extremely jealous!
Rob adored his family. He was deeply in love with Denise and told her every day how much he adored her. He loved being surrounded by his 12 nieces and nephews, and 16 greats, who affectionately called him Booga.
Rob is survived by his wife of 34 years, Denise, Son, Kevin Isom (Ashley) and grandson, Gunnar Ray, brother Rick, nephew, Chris Isom, niece, Kayleigh Young (Ben), nieces, Dana May, (Kevin), Heather Blutt (Peter), Kayla Noble (Josh), nephew Tyler Strain (Natalie), sister-in-love Emily Aadland (Kirby) niece Kristi Cowan (Brandon) nephew, Adam Aadland (Brandy), Nieces, Amanda Burdue (Hunter), Sammi Jo Wood (Chase), Brother-in-law Mike Hegarty (Sara) nephews, Andrew Hegarty and Gabe Hegarty. Sister-in-law Kim Isom. Greats: Addy and Ben May, Hayden, Liam, and Aubrey Blutt, Jace and Chloe Noble, Payton, Dylan, and Adley Cowen, Conner and Kinsley Aadland, Bella and Lilly Mae Burdue, and Hudson and Harper Wood.
Services are Friday October 27th with a Visitation from 4-6 at Moran & Goebel Funeral Home followed by a celebration of Rob’s life at the Lincoln Lounge from 7-10. Memorials can be made to Denise Isom.
Condolences may be left at www.moranandgoebel.com
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