ROCKFORD – Robert Joseph Engelbrecht, 71, of Rockford, passed on to the Lord on Friday, July 20, 2012, at his home. He was a registered nurse for many years, giving his heart to the care of others.

Robert was born April 2, 1941, in Amboy, the son of Joseph and Lucille (Hilbert) Engelbrecht. He married Jean A. Finch. He served in the Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1968. Robert was a member of the American Legion, and an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous with 18 years of continuous sobriety that he cherished.

He leaves behind three sons, Paul (Rebecca) Engelbrecht, Robert (Lisa) Engelbrecht and James Engelbrecht; six daughters, Diane (Michael) Kovacs, Laura (Dave) Fox, Mary Crager, Susan (Philip) Azeff, Jennifer (Jerry) Goodman and Debbie Engelbrecht; one brother, Eugene Engelbrecht; three sisters, Wanda Bartlett Labonte, Shirley Lamb and Marilyn (Cary) Bruce; 18 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.