Robert William Given

Robert William Given was born to Mabel Magoon and Frederick Given on July 18, 1931. Bob was born and bred a Chicago boy. He grew up on the north side and attended Catholic schools which became an important foundation for his faith. He married Norine, “Rusty”, Mundorf in July 1951. Their marriage would last 66 years before her passing in January 2018.

Bob served in the Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in Mountain Home, ID. During his service, he worked on the printing press and as a sheet metal worker. At the end of his duty, he returned to his roots, Chicago, with 2 children and lived near Mabel and Fred. He continued his work in sheet metal, and soon moved to Des Plaines to raise his family which would grow eventually to 5. He worked in sheet metal during the day and went to night school earning a bachelor’s degree in English from Loyola and master’s degree in teaching from Northeastern. Bob started his well-regarded teaching career in Arlington Hts. at St. Viator’s High School, and then was a founding teacher at the newly opened John Hersey High School where he taught English for 25 years. He tells the story that he got the Hersey position because he told his interviewer about a good lake for fishing. That new teacher and assistant principal became life long friends. Bob loved his family but he loved to fish. He fished regularly and took many trips with his fisherman friends, but always took time for boating and fishing with his children. This passion, and one of his first big catches, earned him the nickname “Walleye Bob”. He also caught the racquetball bug in the seventies and became an active member of the Latoff YMCA. This place of play became a wonderful source of many friendships and he looked forward to his “Y” outings that lasted until just 2 years ago. Bob and his wife Norine also ventured far from Des Plaines always taking family vacations, but they also travelled solely around the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the many countries of Europe, taking cruises and train trips, always meeting people from all over and maintaining those friendships.

Robert was an only child but he created a much larger family with Norine: 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He also extended that spirit of family in his network of great friends, some of whom lasted from boyhood. Bob was a strong Catholic, a Shakespeare enthusiast, he was sharp witted, a subtle humorist, and always an engaging conversationalist. He was constantly reading and never left home without a piece of reading material in his ever present shopping bag. He would remember what was important to you, and then send you a letter with an article reflecting that- always signed and dated. He enjoyed the power of being with people: he was a social individual and said the worst thing he could think of was eating dinner out alone. He and Nor had a close, caring circle of friends that shared countless dinners. He joked that these get togethers changed from Saturday night dinners (dinner parties), to Friday pizzas, to Thursday lunches and, eventually, Wednesday breakfasts with the guys. But the special friendships endured.

After Norine passed, he moved to Addolorata Villa in Wheeling where he made a comfortable home without his “Rusty”.Bob passed away to meet his Holy Father and reunite with Norine on May 9th. He was 88 years old. Despite current social distancing, he was blessed to be with family the days previous to and at the time of his death. He gave a last kiss. He is survived by his 5 loving children: Michael Given, Patricia Flosi (George), Julie Theros (George), Lynette Merkell (Kevin), and Janine Steeves (Steve); 10 adored grandchildren: Allison (deceased 2015), Michael (Christie), Dana (Luke), Kristin(Brian), Erin, Caitlin, Spencer, Kayla, Jillian, and Larsen; and, 5 adored great-grandchildren: Quinten, Arianna, Delaney, James, and Michael, Jr.

Funeral services and interment private. Relatives and friends are encouraged to support the family by viewing the livestream of Robert’s Funeral service starting 11:00 am, Saturday, May 16, 2020. The stream can be viewed on Bob’s Tribute Wall at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com, where you can also leave your memory or message of condolence. Following the funeral, the recording will be available with Bob’s obituary.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to: Salesian Missions, 2 Lefevre LaneNew Rochelle, NY, 10801-5710, or St. Mary Catholic Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Funeral information and condolences www.GlueckertFH.com or (847) 253-0168.