Welcome!

Welcome to the digital home of the Pellant family, dedicated to honoring the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of Frank Robert "Bob" Pellant (1936–2024). Known to generations as "Coach Pellant." Bob was a devoted husband, a proud father, a doting grandfather, and a legendary educator whose impact stretched from the classrooms and football fields of Illinois to the lakes of Wisconsin and the shores of Florida.

Pictured here is Bob’s immediate family: his beloved wife of 61 years, Birgitta (Karin Birgitta Sandbergh), and their four sons, Jon, Rick, Ron Michael (RM), and Christopher. Together with their families—including 15 grandchildren—they continue to champion the values of community, teamwork, and lifelong learning that Bob lived every single day.

A Legacy of Leadership & Service

Bob’s journey was rooted in education and athletics. A native of Rockford, Illinois, he was a 1954 graduate and state discus champion at Rockford East High School. He went on to dedicate his life to guiding young people, earning multiple degrees in education from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Wisconsin Superior.

As an elite head football coach, Bob led Rockford East High School to back-to-back undefeated seasons and captured the historic, first-ever Illinois state football championship in 1974. His excellence was permanently recognized with his induction into the Rockford Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020. Later in his career, Bob brought his passion for student success to Wausau, Wisconsin, where he served as an award-winning principal and basketball coach at Rib Mountain Elementary School.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Whether coaching under Friday night lights, running an elementary school, or enjoying quiet summers at his cabin in Hayward, Wisconsin, Bob’s greatest joy was always his family. Though he passed away peacefully on Easter morning in 2024, his spirit remains a guiding light for Birgitta, his boys, and everyone who had the privilege of calling him "Coach."

Thank you for visiting. We invite you to explore the site, share your memories, and help us keep Bob's incredible legacy alive.