Robert Bob J. Jauch

Robert J. Jauch was a straight forward and dependable man. He touched the lives of many, and earned the respect of all who knew him. He has made an impact on many – both by example and through his simple and wise advice.

He was the son of Joseph and Margaret Jauch. Robert “Bob” Jauch was born in Chicago, Illinois and lived a short while on a farm in Wisconsin during the depression. After the depression had ended, his family moved back to Chicago, Illinois where he would stay until retiring in Reedsburg, Wisconsin.

Bob had three siblings. He had two younger sisters, Virginia and Ursula, and a younger brother, Ronald. They would have tussles typical of siblings, like the time Bob and Virginia fought over who was going to take out the garbage.

As a young child, Bob enjoyed building with his Lincoln Logs and thoroughly enjoyed his train set. As a young man in Burnside he enjoyed hanging out at Iola's, a place from which he was labeled a “troublemaker” and eventually had to hang outside the ice cream shop.

While attending Fenger High School, Bob was a very strong student, excelling in his studies. He was tough, popular and good looking – getting into a bit of trouble now and then. His father suggested that he break from his studies and join the Navy. While serving in the Navy, he was stationed in San Francisco, going back and forth to Hawaii during World War II. After arriving home, he secretly married Rose Burns before graduating from Fenger in 1947. When the rouse was up, Bob’s parents welcomed Rose into their home. They had their first child, Michael, in November 1948. They then lived a short time in Gary, Indiana and a few other apartments. Bob and Rose bought their first home on 123rd Street. Bob and Rose were blessed with three children. Their second child, Therese, was born 10 years later in January 1959 with their third child, Joe, born in May 1962.

Around 1972, Bob purchased a piece of property in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, with the help of a loan from his father. For many years, before Bob began building his home, he and his family would stay on the property in an RV or in a nearby motel. Bob was a very proud father, and he worked very hard to support his family. He possessed a very strong work ethic. His primary occupation was as a Chicago Fireman, achieving many distinguished promotions. While serving on the department, he also worked at Walgreens, in Real Estate, and as a Taxi Cab driver. He often told many wonderful stories of his experiences. Bob and Rose moved to 83rd & Mozart in 1975.

After serving on the Chicago Fire Department for 33 years, Bob retired in 1986 as a Battalion Fire Chief. He relocated to Reedsburg, Wisconsin. In retirement, he found new pleasure in taking long drives through the Baraboo Bluffs. He frequented the Wisconsin State Parks, to which he was a supporting member. Along for his leisurely rides was his devoted dog Jackson, an American Eskimo. During their time together, they developed a special bond.

Some of the things that Bob enjoyed doing most were things where he could drink his beer, such as playing cards, spending time at the race track, and cruising. He was also a conservative republican and an avid reader, especially of current events. He also found pleasure in sports. In his earlier years, Bob enjoyed playing in a baseball league. He gave his jersey and cleats to Ed Burns, who then in turn wore them out on the field. A sports fan, he enjoyed football and baseball and cheered for the Chicago Bears and Chicago White Sox. This past year, he actively participated in his family’s fantasy football league, a league which will now bear a trophy “The Localyokel” in his memory.

Bob was very close with his family, and had many friends at his favorite hangouts in Wisconsin, Scottsdale, and Naperville. One of the things he enjoyed doing most with his family was traveling. He had the opportunity to travel to all of the continents, with the exception of South America and Antarctica. He was very proud to be German and refuted his Irish heritage until October 2010 when he visited and fell in love with the Emerald Isle. He had seen many, many places and had planned to see many more.

Robert J. Jauch passed away on December 19, 2010 peacefully at home, in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, after attending a Sara Evans concert the night before. He was a very smart, persistent person who achieved much in his life. He always said he would “live until he died,” and he certainly accomplished that as well. He was tough will high standards and self-discipline and had grown more mellow and gentle in his later years. He had a brilliant and mischievous sense of humor. He was very sensitive and his feelings ran deep. Bob is an individual who will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by family and friends. He will stay in our hearts always.

Robert Joseph Jauch, age 83, retired Batallion Chief CFD; beloved husband of the late Rose, nee Burns, proud and loving father of Michael, Therese (Mark) Hill, and Joseph (Kristina); close and loving Grandpa Bob of Jessica (Robert) Ruiz, Erica, Brian, and Ryan (Paige) Hill; Dear great grandfather of Jordan Jauch, Araceli & Elizabeth Castillo, and Robert & Jiselle Ruiz; dear son of the late Joseph and the late Margaret, nee O’Reilly, Jauch; cherished brother of Virginia (late George) Bader, Ursula (John) Geiser and Ronald Jauch; dearest uncle of many nieces and nephews; fond friend to many in Illinois and Reedsburg, WI. US Navy Veteran of WWII. Visitation Wednesday 3-9 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle (on Rt. 53, ½ mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) where funeral services will begin Thursday 9:00 am and proceed to St. Irene Catholic Church, Warrenville, for Mass 10:00 am. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. To celebrate Bob’s life, visit www.Blake-LambFuneralHome.com. For info, call 630-964-9392.