Robert P Astraus

Nov. 15, 1935 – Oct. 28, 2013

Bob was 77 years old when he passed away in Phoenix, AZ after struggling with Alzheimer’s for the past several years.

He was born in Chicago to the late Peter and Helen Astraus. On Nov. 3, 1962 he was married to Mary Lou and they started a family. In 1978 he packed up the rental truck, the station wagon, the family and the dog and moved out west to Phoenix, Arizona.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Mary Lou and is survived by his three sons; Bob and Jeff of Phoenix, AZ and Mitch of Flagstaff, AZ. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; Hegi, Dakota, Nick, Chris, Billy Tom, Carley and Steven.

Bob was an active member of St. Joseph’s Church for almost 30 years before his illness kept him from attending. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the St. Joseph’s Men’s Club. His hobbies included beer can collecting, drawing, woodcarving and putting together jigsaw puzzles.

Bob will be loved and missed by all. In lieu of flowers the family is asking that donations be made in Bob’s name to:

Alzheimer’s Association

1028 E Mc Dowell

Phoenix, AZ 8506

or call

(602) 528-0545

Use name: Robert P. Astraus

I thought this would be easy to write. After sitting down in front of a computer for a couple of hours with tears in my eyes I was still staring at a blank screen. I got up walked around, sat back down, slept, woke up stared at a blank screen and started to write. There are so many things I want to say, but don’t know how to put them in words. So this is what I came up with.

Everybody knew my dad in their own special way. I can’t speak for my brothers, but I am sure they both share the same feelings I have.

From my first memories my dad was like Superman, but stronger. He was a Chicago police officer; he could lift anything, fix anything or do anything. If anybody asked, yes, he could beat up your dad. My dad was my first hero and is still one of mine today.

He taught me many things growing up. He taught me how to fix my bike tire, pitch a tent, build a fire and how to drive; along with many other things.

My dad was the only one who could pull a splinter out of a finger or foot. He was the one would always take me to the hospital when I needed stitches (sometimes take them out for me) or be there by the side of the bed when it was much worse.

He was at all of my sporting events. He was my biggest critic and he was my biggest fan. Win or lose he was always proud of me.

He was always up for a trip to Rocky Point Mexico, or an inner tube trip down the Salt River.

Growing up my dad and I always didn’t see eye to eye. He did his best to teach right from wrong. Sometimes I wondered what the heck he was talking about. I only wish I knew then what I know now. My dad was usually right.

If you ever sat down with him long enough to tell you a story (I’m sure most of you have,) he would mostly brag about his kids and years later brag about his grandkids.

The love he shared between his kids and grandkids was only matched by my mom. I just can’t believe all the grief my brothers and I gave him throughout the years (Dad, for that I am sorry) and yet he still always had unconditional love for us.

He was always stood by my side through the good times and the bad. I just hope I can live up to his expectations and be the father to my kids that he was to me and my brothers.

Dad you will be missed. I will do my best to make you proud.

A visitation will be held from 7:00-9:00 P.M., Thursday, November 7th at Shadow Mountain Mortuary, 2350 E Greenway Rd. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, November 8th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 11001 N. 40th St in Phoenix. Following the mass, interment will be at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd.