Robert J. Muench, M.D.

Of Arlington Heights

Dr. Robert J. Muench, M.D. was born on October 31, 1922, in Des Plaines, Illinois to Adam and Bertha (nee Smith) Muench. He died Tuesday, January 12, 2021, at Lutheran Home & Services, Arlington Heights.

Dr. Muench was a family practice physician with his office in Arlington Heights for over 40 years, retiring in 1988. He served as a Captain in the Army during the Korean War.

Robert grew up in Des Plaines, Illinois, graduated from Maine Township High School in 1940. He attended the University of Illinois in Champaign with a Pharmacy major. He graduated in 1946 from U of I School of Medicine, after taking classes for 36 straight months which was an accelerated program. Robert was married to his first wife, Florence Alexander, from November of 1946 until her death in April of 1975. He married Cecelia Mensch in March of 1976 and was with Cecelia for 44 years until her death in February 2020.

Robert was a man of many talents, especially writing poetry, painting pictures, building model ships, and playing guitar and piano. Upon retirement, he researched family histories and put together genealogies of several branches of the family tree.

Robert and Ceil were devoted to each member of their large, combined family. They hosted an annual Christmas Eve celebration, which always included a recitation of the poem, “The Night Before Christmas“, with various grandchildren assigned to read a stanza. Sometimes Santa would even make an appearance! In addition, each family member was given the opportunity to exhibit their musical talents.

The summer gatherings at their home evolved into a yearly “Sports Day”, which was comprised of numerous outdoor games that were highly competitive due to the much sought-after “prizes”! Each event had a unique nationality featured; eg: German, Irish, Greek, Polish and Mexican, etc. complete with each country’s particular food and drinks served.

Being a former member of Inverness Country Club, Robert was an enthusiastic golfer, playing his last round at Twin Lakes at age 96. He also enjoyed gardening and was especially proud of his giant Zinnia flower bed! He was always challenging himself with daily newspaper puzzles. Wayne’s Pizza night and playing the game, Left Right Center became a tradition when family members visited. Treasured memories abound !!!

Robert is survived by his daughter, Janice (Robert) Knecht, his son, Gregory (Laurene) Muench; his stepchildren, Sandra (Eric) Ruskoski, Linda Carlson, and Frederick (Betsy) Mensch; his daughters-in-law, Patricia Muench and Kathy (Rick) Sorci; his grandchildren, Kristy Pittas, Kevin Muench, Jennifer Dipple, Meggan True, Molly DiCanio, Melissa Krakowski, Kyle Muench, Daniel Knecht, Stephanie Carlson, Thor Ruskoski, Maximillian Muench, Chelsea Keen, Kim Carlson, Alexis Muench, Tyler Muench, Dakota Muench, Molly Mensch, and Nicholas Mensch; his 27 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and his brother, Bruce (Mary Louise) Muench.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Florence, his second wife, Cecelia M.; and his sons Robert C. and Dean Muench and stepson in-law, Larry Carlson.

Visitation from 10:00 am until time of Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, Friday, January 22, 2021, at Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church, 440 South Mitchell Avenue, Arlington Heights, Illinois. Interment St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Palatine, Illinois. Those unable to attend in person can view the Livestream of the Funeral Mass click "Watch Live" in "Events" below.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Our Lady of the Wayside Catholic Church 440 South Mitchell Avenue, Arlington Heights, IL, 60005 http://www.olwparish.org, or to Lutheran Life Communities Foundation, 800 W. Oakton, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004.

Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.