He first lived in Egan, Illinois and attended Seward grade school until moving to Winnebago where he graduated from Winnebago High School in 1952. He graduated from Bradley University in 1956 with his Bachelors degree and graduated from Northern Illinois University with his Masters degree.
In 1957 he married Donna, his loving wife for over 63 years. He began his teaching career in Wyoming, IL and after three years, moved to Crystal Lake Central High School where he was a loved and respected teacher of American History and Economics for over 30 years before retiring in 1991. He was the voice of CLCHS basketball and football where he was the announcer for several years. He loved teaching and interactions with his colleagues and students, many of whom became long-time friends. In addition to teaching, he was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake where he served in multiple capacities including church president and Sunday school superintendent.
Bob loved spending time with his family and was very proud of his children, their spouses and grandchildren. He took great joy in family gatherings and made many memories at his lake house in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. He showed his love for his grandchildren by turning into the “Gripper” who would hug the children tightly until they collapsed in laughter. Also known as “Farmer Bob”, he was a prolific gardener and loved to share his vegetables with friends and family. During summer breaks he designed and built numerous home improvement projects over the years. He was a lifelong learner, attending several interesting Elderhostels across the country. He loved to travel and often spent winters in Florida and Arizona. He generously volunteered at the Crystal Lake Food Pantry for over two decades. He was an avid sports fan and loved his Cubs, Bears and Blackhawks, especially when they were winning.
Survivors include his wife Donna and their children, Shari (Pat) Daw, Brian (Rebecca), three grandchildren, Kate (Jordan) DeGayner, Matt Daw and Meredith Reber and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Roger and Paula Sass and cousins, nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his sister (Joyce), father, mother and step-mother, Sylvia Reber.
There will be a gathering from 2pm until the 3pm Memorial Service on Sunday, July 18 at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, 485 Woodstock St., Crystal Lake.
Burial was private at Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery in Pecatonica, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 485 Woodstock St., Crystal Lake, IL 60014.
