Robert Bate Applegate

Robert Bate Applegate of Milan, IL passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 19th, in

Brainerd, Minnesota. Cremation rights were accorded.

Bob was born to Murray Bate and Alice Avery Applegate on July 24, 1947, and joined older

brother, Arthur, in their Knoxville, Iowa home.

Among many achievements and memberships, Bob was an Eagle Scout and member of the

Order of the Arrow, graduate of Knoxville Senior High School, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran,

graduate of Iowa State University, a retired Rock Island Arsenal U.S. Army Civilian Human

Resources Officer, a former Rock Island City Councilman, a former Trustee of Rock Island First

United Methodist Church, and current owner of The Book Rack of the QC.

Bob was married to his loving wife and adventure partner, Claudia, his high school sweetheart

with whom he successfully reconnected after a few years apart. Picking up right where they left

off, they married fewer than four months after reuniting, ultimately spending the next fifty years,

five months, thirteen days, eight hours, and 3 minutes together (Bob’s often on-the-spot

calculation - his favorite party trick). Together they built a loving home in which they raised two

children, supported one another through long and successful civilian government careers on the

Rock Island Arsenal, and enjoyed many years of retirement spending time together, traveling

the world, making frequent trips to their beloved family cabin, spending time with their children

and five grandchildren, and enjoying both their separate and mutual passions.

Ever the entrepreneur, Bob sometimes owned other businesses in addition to his full time

employment, including rental homes and a car wash. For the last 15 years, Bob was owner of

The Book Rack of the Quad Cities. On most days during his “retirement”, Bob would be busy

working on The Book Rack, venturing to the latest garage/attic/storage unit sale to buy more

inventory, at the store restocking supplies and working with his staff, or working in his home

office on the next experiment to drive sales.

Bob loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and was a very proud and

supportive father and grandfather. Alan spent many hours discussing business matters and

investment strategies with his Dad (which Bob loved), and almost as many hours trouble-

shooting his Dad’s computer and streaming services. Bob loved playing every sport (most

commonly basketball, softball, and golf) with Lara, including more than a few three point, free

throw, and closest to the pin competitions complete with trash talk and wagers.

Known to his grandchildren as Papa and Grandpa, Bob would drop everything to accommodate

a grandchild’s request. He was 100% present for a bear hug, a walk to the playground or

around the pond, making funny faces, or sitting on the floor to build with blocks or play Pretty

Pretty Princess. Alan and Allie enjoyed many morning breakfast dates, chatting and enjoying

Papa’s company; Grandpa’s perfect touch calmed Mikey through a tour of the plantings in his

yard; while Sydney, Gabby and Paige were all captains in training, often sharing Grandpa’s lap

to steer the pontoon on Gull Lake. He was the biggest fan of each of us and was always eager

to listen and help however he could.

Those left to honor Bob’s memory include his wife, Claudia; son, Alan (Nicole) Applegate;

daughter, Lara (Kevin) Koza; five grandchildren (Allison, Sydney, Gabriella, Paige and Michael

Robert); brother, Arthur (Kathleen) Applegate; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Riverfront Grille

in Rock Island. Visitation is at 2:00 p.m. with service at 3:00 p.m. A social time to share

memories, laughs, and perhaps one of Bob’s signature drinks (Diet Pepsi, 7 and 7, Sauvignon

Blanc) will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Two Rivers United Methodist Church and/or the

American Heart Association - and read books.