E. Robert Holmberg

Bob really knew how to enjoy life to its fullest and always recognized his great fortune. He was a loving husband, super dad, best friend and avid sports fan who loved all things Chicago, especially the Cubs, Bears, and Blackhawks. He bonded early on with his sons coaching Little League and then later on sharing their love of college football, passionately rooting on the University of Michigan and Kentucky, and of course shared his horse racing handicapping skills with anyone who would listen. He loved spending time in his kitchen and grilling outside on his Weber. He loved a good bottle of wine and throwing parties for his family and the friends he considered his family. He traveled extensively, but found his greatest joy while vacationing and fishing at his home away from home in Land O' Lakes, Wisconsin.

Bob was born and raised in Waukegan, Illinois, the eldest child of Edward and Shirley Holmberg. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in accounting, and acquired his CPA license on the first try. His finance career began with Price Waterhouse where he managed the audit for his beloved Cubs. He spent much of his finance career in the restaurant business, which led his family on many adventures across the country. Ultimately, he found his way back home to Illinois to spend time with his family and lifelong friends. He found love not once, but twice. It was during this time that Bob rekindled his love for his 7th grade girlfriend and now wife of 12 years, Ann (Barnas) Holmberg.

He is preceded in death by his first wife of 31 years, and mother to his children, Sally (Novak) Holmberg; father, Edward Holmberg; and brother-in-law, Joe Merino.

He is proudly survived by his wife, Ann; sons, Scott Holmberg (Tammy), and Bobby Holmberg (Laura); cherished grandchildren, Ty and Elin Holmberg; mother, Shirley Holmberg; brother, Chuck (Kathy) Holmberg; sisters, Sherri Merino, and Kim (Tony) Villalpando; seven nieces and nephews; and many lifelong friends and partners in crime from his childhood.

We are not going to mourn his death, but instead celebrate his life. His visitation will take place Saturday, December 12, from 2-5 p.m., at Marsh Funeral Home, 305 N. Cemetery Rd., Gurnee, Ill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Soci