Robert Albert Girard

Robert Albert Girard, age 81, of Hennepin, Illinois passed away on January 17, 2024 at his home.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 A.M on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Dysart Cofoid Funeral Home in Granville with Pastor Jamie Walters of Valley Community Church officiating the service at 11:00 A.M.

Robert was born on August 30, 1942 in Putnam, Connecticut to Donald and Alice (Valliere) Girard. He was the second of 6 children: Edward (Terry) Girard, Lawrence (Hilda) Girard, Kenneth (Karen) Girard, Thomas (Carole) Girard and Elaine (Ray) Ricci

Robert graduated from Rham High School in Hebron, CT. He joined the Coast Guard November 4, 1960, and enjoyed a long and varied career of 27 years attaining the rank of Chief Warrent Officer 4 as the first Coast Guard Physician Assistant. He attended college at Hanover Medical School, Hanover, MA and Springfield, MA He served on CGC Castle Rock in Boston, MA and GCG Spar in Bristol, RI. He also attended Intelligence and Survival schools and, he served active duty in Guam, Anguar Island, Traverse City, MI and Yap Island. Finally returning to Traverse City, MI. Robert retired from the Coast Guard in 1971. He continued his Physician Assistant career in Maine, Iowa, and Illinois, retiring from medicine in 2005.

He is survived by his wife Sheila Sjulin Girard; his son Jeffrey Girard of St.Louis, MO; twin daughters Jennifer Girard of Marquette, MI and Brenda Girard Paris of Lakeview, MI; son Dean Girard of Ames, IA; daughter Karen Girard of Bernard, ME; stepdaughter Jill Sjulin of Corning, IA; stepson Jason Sjulin of Austin, TX and granddaughter Lydia Girard of Ames, IA, other relatives and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his father Donald Girard, mother Alice Girard, brother Lawrence Girard, and brother, Thomas Girard.

Burial will be at Rock Island Arsenal Veteran Cemetery, in Rock Island, IL at a future date.

Memorials may be directed to Valley Community Church in SpringValley, Compassus Hospice in DeKalb, or Veterans Home in LaSalle.

Online condolences may be sent to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

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