Robert J. Alvarado

Robert J. Alvarado, age 82, of Ottawa, passed away peacefully Monday, September 29, 2025, in the presence of his loving family.

Robert was born March 6, 1943 in Ottawa, Illinois to Joseph Alvarado and Lucille (Padilla) Alvarado. He married Nancy (Matlock) Mertel March 1, 1994 in Ottawa. Surviving are his devoted wife, Nancy; his children, Christine Alvarado (Michael Baker) of Raleigh, NC, Sherry Todas (Richard) of Spring Valley, Robert E. Alvarado (Nicole Barnes) of Shelby, NC, Steven Alvarado (Cindy) of Kasson, MN, Jonathan Alvarado (Laura Bianco) of Ottawa, James Mertel (Diane) of Peru and Heidi Harris (Josh) of St. Augustine, FL. Robert also leaves grandchildren, Grant, Jacob, Joshua, Marisa, Gabrielle, Persephone, Atlas, Haley, Jacey, Hayden, Karston, Adley and Evangeline; a great-grandson, Luke; and a brother, Ronald Alvarado (Nancy) of Ottawa. His parents preceded him in death.

Robert graduated from Marquette High School with the class of '61 where he was a member of the Marquette Crusaders drum & bugle corps. He retired from AT&T as a repair technician. Robert was an active member of the IBEW where he served as a union steward and officer and served on the board of Peoria Bell Credit Union. In his early years, Robert enjoyed motocross racing, playing cards and coaching Little League Baseball. He also enjoyed riding bikes, hiking, fishing and exploring off the beaten paths wherever he traveled, always finding the hidden gem. Later he found joy playing with his grandchildren, viewing the eagles around the Illinois Valley and watching his backyard birds. Robert loved telling jokes and was renowned for his ability to find people he knew wherever he went, whether that was downtown Ottawa or the middle of Honduras. He loved his Bears and was a season ticket holder for many years and also cheered for the Cubs and Blackhawks and was happy to have seen them all become champions. He was known to be an "eclectic collector." Whether you knew him as Bobby, Bob, Robert, or Taco, he will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends.

A visitation will begin at 3 pm Friday, October 3rd at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 6 pm. Honorary pallbearers will be Darrin and Tara Schmitz, Grant Kuffel, Jacob and Joshua Hockings, Michael Baker, Marisa and Gabrielle Alvarado, Rich Todas and Gene Datti.

Memorial contributions in Robert's name should be given to a charity of the donor's choice. To share a memory, please visit www.gladfelter-roetker.com or Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home on Facebook.