Skip to Main Content

In Sympathy: Robert "Bob" Lacock

Posted: March 4 2025 at 10:37 AM

Robert "Bob" Lacock, spouse of Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on his birthday, Friday, February 28, 2025, at his home. During Rev. Dr. Oberwise Lacock’s ministry, she served at Lyndon, Freeport: Faith and Aurora St. Luke Medical Center as well as serving in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. She was instrumental in the Conference on Native American Ministries and shared her expertise with the Wisconsin Annual Conference as well.

Mr. Lacock was 73 years old.

A memorial service will be held on March 6 at 5 p.m. with visitation starting 4 p.m. at Salem UMC (541 Hwy WI-59, Waukesha, WI 53186). Reverand Paola Benecchi and Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin will be officiating.

A second service will be held on March 29 at 11 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. at Kingston Mines UMC (405 3rd St, Kingston Mines, IL 61539).

Messages of condolence may be sent to Rev. Oberwise Lacock and family.
Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock
S 79 W 31370 Green Meadows Drive
Mukwonago, WI 53149

Memorials may be given to Salem UMC or Morning Sky Initiative, Inc. for a Native American ministry project entitled, Healing with Dignity. 

News & Announcements

Quilt Presentation With Bishop

Quilt Presentation Celebrates Diversity and Creativity

At the 2025 Northern Illinois Annual Conference, the NIC Anti-Racism Task Force unveiled the Arts & Culture Quilt—a powerful symbol of unity, justice, and cultural pride.…

Budget Presentation Kim And David

Conference Council on Finance and Administration – Updates from Annual Conference

Members of the Northern Illinois Annual Conference approved the 2026 conference budget and a simplified apportionment formula during their Jun…

Oma Banner03

2025 One Matters Award Winners

The Northern Illinois Conference recognized five churches with One Matters Awards. The United Methodist Church’s Discipleship Ministries created this award in 2015 to encourage congregations that…

Derick Mckinney W8kl19hcrya Unsplash

Help for International Garrett Students

As we continue to look for ways to support international students, the Immigration Team of the NIC Conference Commission on Religion and Race has been presented with an urgent need.

Print