Robert Leslie Herting

Dr. Robert L. Herting Sr., 91 of Park Ridge, IL was born January 26, 1929 in Aurora, IL to the late Herold and Christine (nee Parr) Herting and passed away September 30, 2020. Bob was the beloved husband of Claireen L. (nee Molzan); loving father of Dr. Robert (Nora) Herting Jr.; cherished grandfather of Erika, Bob III, and Nathan Herting; dear brother of the late Bonnie (late Ray) Denell and of the late William (Mary) Herting; fond uncle of many nieces and nephews; and friend of many.

Dr. Robert L. Herting went to the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, IL graduating with a B.S. in Chemistry in 1950, and received an M.D. from University of Illinois, College of Medicine in Chicago, IL. He did a rotating internship at Illinois Central Hospital in 1954-1955 and studied at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL receiving a M.S. in Biochemistry in 1961 and Ph.D. in Biochemistry in 1970. He worked at Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, IL from 1957 to 1977 and held many job titles there including: Clinical Monitor, Clinical Pharmacologist, Medical Director of Pharmaceutical Products Division, Director of Experimental Medicine of the Corporate Research and Experimental Therapy Division, and Divisional Vice President of Clinical Research. He then moved from Abbott Laboratories to Schering-Plough in Newark, NJ where he worked from 1977 to 1980 as Vice President of World-Wide Medical Research in the Research Division of Schering-Plough. He then moved to G.D. Searle in Skokie, IL from 1980 to 2000 and held several job titles there including: Vice President of International Clinical Research and Medical Affairs of the Research Division, Vice-President of U.S. Clinical Research and Medical Affairs of the Research Division, and Senior Director, R & D Clinical Safety and CNS Clinical Research. Following this he joined Specialized Medical Consulting and worked as a consultant from 2000 to 2012 for various pharmaceutical firms with the majority of his work at Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, IL. Also, while working in his early years at Abbott Laboratories Robert Herting also taught at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine from 1957 to 1977 and held titles from Clinical Instructor to Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine. His teaching career allowed him to hood his son Robert Herting Jr. when his son graduated from University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Medicine.

While studying at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Bob met the love of his life, his loving wife, Claireen (Molzan) Herting. They dated for five years and then got married on June 5, 1954. They were happily married for 66 years. Bob was a devoted husband and avid supporter of his wife’s career. They enjoyed traveling and dancing together and going to the theatre with their friends. They had a son, Robert Herting Jr, born June 2, 1966. Bob was a loving father of Bob Jr and could be seen and heard on the sidelines of his son’s soccer games rooting him on. Bob loved carrying his son on his shoulders and helping him with his homework. Bob was always there for his wife and son - even when he worked at Schering-Plough, he would come home every weekend to be with his wife and son. Bob also loved doting on his three grandchildren – Erika, Bob III, and Nathan. He like playing games with them, including chess and board games. Bob and Claireen made it a point to take the grandchildren on trips overseas to England, France, Italy, and Germany to appreciate different countries and let them see the world. Bob also enjoyed seeing and being out with friends. He was a witty individual and enjoyed going to five different theater series with different friends and family. He also enjoyed a group of friends that called themselves the “Grandparent Club” and would go out to eat and socialize with them frequently.

As for activities, Robert Herting was involved in the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Association and was elected to various posts in it including being President of the Medical Section. He was also Cubmaster of the pack that his son was in. He loved church and grew up going to church weekly with his Grandma when he was younger. He attended St. Andrews Lutheran Church usually on Saturday nights at the smaller service. Bob and Claireen are involved in Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago and various other charities.

Visitation will be Friday, October 9, 2020 from 3 – 8 PM at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL. Funeral service will be on Saturday, October 10 at 11:00 AM at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 260 N. Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge, IL. Interment will be in Bethania Cemetery in Justice, IL. Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 260 N. Northwest Hwy, Park Ridge, IL 60068 or the University of Illinois College of Medicine.

In consideration of the safety of our guests and associates, Oehler Funeral Home will adhere to the current gathering restrictions in the state of Illinois, which allows 50 or fewer guests at services. Proper social distancing must be practiced and all guests will be required to wear a face mask at all times. Thank you for your consideration.

For friends and family who are unable to be at the service for Robert on Saturday, October 10, you may click this link to watch a livestream of the services: https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral---robert-herting-959400 and if you wish to follow along with the service please click this link for the service information:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/vewbyl9l6bloamu/robert%20herting%20funeral%20bulletin.docx?dl=0