Dear Bob,  You will always be close to my heart. Since we lived in two states it hasn't sunk in that you passed on but just far away in one if your many loved adventures. When I think of you I visualize you skiing, golfing or snowmobiling. I do miss your voice and your laughter. It warms my ❤ that you are out of your pain and suffering and enjoying health and Ma's hilarious stories. I love you. Terry ❤

I've been thinking about you a lot lately Dad, it's hard to believe you're no longer with us. I keep expecting a call or an email from you then the reality that I won't hurts me immensely. I miss you so much, nothing has been the same since your passing.... I haven't been the same. Most of the time I'm pretending I'm "ok" but, really I'm not. I lost a part of me when you passed and have been trying to adjust to life without you.... and it's been real hard. 
I miss you dad, I hope you're looking down on us and with us for all of our milestones. 
Love you! Xox Gina

I lived on the same block growing up (my mom still lives there) and Bob was always a kind man. I'm sorry for your families loss.

Gina and Shauna, we are deeply sorry for your loss. Loosing a parent is very difficult. Please know we are thinking of you. 

Ronda and Dale Ruzycki

Hey little brother, I was thinking of you tonight and could just see you shaking your head at the entree I had today.  I always like trying new foods and for me, something out of my comfort zone.  Curry Kahlua Shrimp.  You always said I wish I could be like you  but I can't and kinda stuck to plain foods.  You mentioned that when you were having lunch one day with a friend, you were amazed how he cleaned the plate, even sopping up anything left with bread and you laughed.  I used to say boy I would hate to be your wife not being able to try new recipes...Anyway you'd have gotten a kick out of the dish today but it was good.  I love you.  Terry

Dad , you will truly be missed. many times I have thought about you.  YOU have always been  and still will be the reason i had the childhood that i did. You are the only dad i had and as I got older ,I realized just how lucky i was. I never got to say " Thank You", for that I am sorry. I hope you knew how much i loved you and still do.Thank you dad, for being my dad.                      

Forever in my thoughts
always in my heart
Shauna

Uncle Bob, you will always be remembered as a fun loving Uncle who enjoyed coming to all the family parties! Uncle Bob came up with creative, exciting games to entertain us over and over again. We still play the dollar bill game and think of you when we do. I will miss having my Birthday celebration with you in November but will always remember you especially on that day!
Love you Uncle Bob!
~Darlene

Like many others, my early memories of Uncle Bob center around the excitement of trying to win the dollar bill game and him always having a cold beer in his hand... which was always in a koozie! 

Later in life I got to know a different side of him. Several years ago I had him paint a condo for me, a job which he said was easy and would take only two days. He got started and I went to check-in with him at the end of day one. When I got there he told me my walls were uneven and needed a lot of sanding and patching over previous nail holes. I said it's just a rental property and told him not to waste his time making it perfect.  When I went back the second day to see if he was done, much to my surprise he hadn't even starting painting yet. He was still sanding, patching and fixing every impurity on every wall. When it was all said and done that two day project took five days to complete. That was first time I got to see what a perfectionist Uncle Bob was. He refused to take any short cuts and had a tremendous amount of pride in the quality of his work. 

You will be missed Uncle Bob. 

Stino Milito

My most vivid memory of Uncle Bob was at my high graduation party in Park Ridge at South Park. Uncle Bob asked me if a wanted a ride on the back of his motorcycle. I quickly jumped on the bike and said lets go! little did I know we would be doing 100+ MPH down Talcott Ave. I remember thinking I'll never make it to my next birthday. The only time I ever went white water rafting was with Uncle Bob and the cousins. I also will remember camping, boating and water skiing with Uncle Bob, Gina, Kelly and Dena in Wisconsin. 
It sure is true that Uncle Bob brought excitement into many people's lives including mine.
 My most recent memory is spending some time alone with Uncle Bob while he was in rehab for his hip replacement in Des Plaines. He kept pushing the ice cream  saying "go a head have some ice cream. It's free."
I will miss Uncle Bob!

Uncle Bob,

You definitely brought the fun every time you came over or took us on an outing. Whether it was boating, a bike ride, skiiing, or white water rafting...it was always an adventure. You lived life they way it's meant to be lived. Filled with adventure and family. You will be deeply missed. 

Vinny

Uncle Bob we really appreciate you coming to all the kids birthday parties!  You were always a fun to be around.  High energy, excitement, there was never a dull moment.  We will all miss you Uncle Bob and cherish the great memories that we have of you.  Love, Dena & Pat Atteo

To a great Brother in Law Bob, you will be missed enjoyed our phone conversations, and your visit's through the years.  Vince  Milito

Bob i don't know what to say, i will miss you so much our talks every week  on the phone at all the Birthdays, and Thanksgiving won't be the same without you, I still can't believe you are not with us.   Love your Sister Judy

Something funny I just remembered. Bob loved Christmas  as a kid but the day after he started taking everything off saying Christmas is over. We all had to fight him on that. Another time we had a full car going out to Aunt Sarah's White Cap picnic. When we saw a hitchhiker Bobby said let's give him a ride, we said Bobby there's no room. He said: He can ride on the woof. Everyone laughed.  I once had an apartment in Tucson that was not heated, Bob just arrived with his camper and my folks. He dove into the pool and jumped out screaming. It was ice cold.  As a kid he loved bread with butter and sugar on it.  He loved to disco. Dolores, Judy and me took turns dancing with him so we kept him dancing  all night when I visited Chicago.

How about the blizzard of 79?  When you threw me and my friends off the garage roof into the huge snow pile.  Was awesome!  Or the time you saved my life when I fell through the raft and you hurled mom onto a rock and grabbed me and drug me out of the current and we walked miles with your busted bloody foot.   Maybe that time you shot stretch Armstrong with a handgun in the house.   Or that time you lit the side of a mountain on fire with an m80.   Or that time your ring got stuck while mom pulled you waterskiing and it almost tore your finger off.  That infectious belly laugh.   That sense of safety I had when you were around.   Seems I have a lifetime of memories for a few years of living with you.   Yes Bob knew how to have fun!   So glad we talked a few weeks before you passed.

Bob, Pat and I were pals.  The three of us would go shoe shining as often as we could to earn spending money. All the money we made the boys said they would give me 10%. No matter how much we earned I always received .10 cents, they said that was 10%.   The three of us would climb up and down fire escapes, sit on roofs and watch firemen put out fires. One Sunday the three of us were on our way to Moody Bible church. Ma gave us change for the offering.  On our way we stopped at an apartment building that had a elevator. We rode it up and down. I looked down and saw a twenty dollar bill on the floor, they took the money, went horseback riding in Lincoln Park and sent me off to church.

My brother-in-law Bob and I go back to the year of 1956 when I met his sister Dolores  who I married.He was a kind and caring man.We were good friends thru-out his life..He did live an exciting outdoor life.He will be deeply missed.

My brother Bob was a person who loved adventure.He loved to water ski,ride a snowmobile over thin ice and through the woods.he also liked to sky dive,ride a motor cycle.As a child he loved climbing trees,fences,buildings jumping roof to roof.He loved his family and loved his daughter and grand children.I will always miss him.

A few of the memories that remind me the most about Bob are; the time when Donny and I were scalping tickets to the 1978 Rolling Stones Concert at Soldier Field and it turned out everyone else was
also scalping the tickets so Donny and I went to the far south parking lot and were selling them to the people whom were first arriving without tickets. To our surprise in rolls Bob in his Custom Van and we were
happy to see him and get some refreshments and things from him and chat a bit before the concert. I think he needed a couple of tickets too. Another time was when Donny and I were at his house in Round Lake and
we were talking Rock Music and the Bands we were into at the time, then Bob remarked he really was into 99 Luftballons by Nena which was a top 40's hit and nothing like all the Rock Bands Donny and I were
exchanging ideas about, but Bob didn't think twice about it and really dug 99 Luftballons by Nena that summer.

Uncle Bob was one of my favorite Uncles. As many have mentioned- we love that dollar game he played with us! I'll never forget how Uncle Bob would give savings bonds to me growing up, and later on in life, to my kids. He cared so much about us, that he thought about our future. He was there for me when my mother died. He gave the tightest hugs, and always asked me about my Dad and how he was doing. He was a caring, thoughtful, and a man who truly loved his family. I know he is in heaven with Grandma, Grandpa, and Mom; and I look forward to hugging him again one day....

I was not able to meet my brother in law often, but when I did he was a very cordial man.  I remember the game he would play with the kids, dropping the dollar for them to try to catch. He would laugh at that for hours. He always had such great fun with that.  I wish him well as he completes his journey back to the home we all spring from, heaven.

Dad, 
This past week has been the hardest week I've ever had. Your passing was so sudden and unexpected, it almost didn't seem real. I managed to get through last week with the help of Jackie, Shelia, Celina, Joey and most of all Mario. And I have Jeremy & the boys to grieve with and remember with anytime I need someone. Everyone has such wonderful memories of you and it has been great hearing the stories. I am forever grateful that the boys and I have seen you in recent months. Had we not and you passed I don't think I'd be able to live with myself. I absolutely hated that you'd talk about when you died but I am now grateful that you prepared me. I am so blessed to have had you for my dad, you were the best dad in the world!! We have many great memories because of the dad you were and I am forever grateful, because they'll always be with me. I'm sorry I couldn't remember the song you had wanted at your service & I hope you enjoyed the choices I made...all of the songs I chose make me think of you! You weren't perfect by any means, stubborn as a mule and at times annoying.... And I am 100% you'd say the same about me, after all I AM my fathers daughter. I love you & will miss you more than I can possible express with words. It's really going to sink in when I get back home & no longer get a call or message from you saying, Gina....it's your father. Like I don't know your voice instantly lol. Love you dad, hope you're having a blast with Grams & Gramps, Uncle Pat & Aunt Sheila....and most of all enjoying your reunion with the love of your life Ann. 
Always in my heart & thoughts,
Your daughter Gina 
Xoxo

I have been thinking of the Rowan family today.  I watched the video this afternoon.  I loved the memories.  Sending prayers and hugs. I found another photo of Bob visiting us in Florida. 
Love all of you.
Sandy Brown

My favorite memory of Uncle Bob is the money game that we always played together!

Uncle Bob...you were one hell of a guy! There are no words for all you've done! You were truly an amazing person! Spending time with my cousins and going through all your photo's, I am reminded to live life to its fullest and not look back! Don't sweat the small stuff. Life's too short! Thank you for all the wonderful memories! From boating and skiing to family parties, white water rafting to snowmobiling...I could go on and on! You were one pretty awesome uncle! You will be remembered by everyone for playing the dollar bill game and sure will be missed!!!  ❤❤❤

Monday, May 16, 2016
Uncle Bob was a kind and loving guy. I remember when he played the dollar bill game at every event or family gathering. I know that all the kids loved playing that game. He was always there for his family. He never ever missed anything that was family related. Even though he is gone he will never be gone in our hearts.
~ Gianna Wiegel, Lombard, Illinois

Uncle Bob was a kind and loving guy. I remember when he played the dollar bill game at every event or family gathering. I know that all the kids loved playing that game. He was always there for his family. He never ever missed anything that was family related. Even though he is gone he will never be gone in our hearts.

What can I say that everyone already knows.  Bob was one of a kind at least in our family.  He was the glue that connected us all together.  Somehow he managed to always have time for family and friends, a Hugh feat considering the size of our family.  I was fortunate to have not one, but two older brothers as my protectors, Patrick and Bob. That didn't keep them from teasing me constantly but they were also my friend, confident and protector. They are both gone now, but not for me.  They will always be alive in my heart and mind.  Memories, what a wonderful thing.  We will all have our special ones of him.  Till we meet again big brother. ❤❤❤ Your little sister, Kathy

To Rowan & Aiden, I am so very sorry for the loss of your grandpa. He adored you both. He was always showing us your photos and treasuring the times he could see you and talk with you. His joyful spirit will always be with us. He loved life and lived it to the fullest until he was physically unable to. God bless you both. Aunt Terry

Dear Gina, Your father was so proud of you and the boys. His face lit up every time he talked about you. He will be so missed. Even feeling poorly he would smile and be joyful seeing everyone. He was so happy when you came to see him. He was a fantastic dad. You were "Daddy's Little Girl. "

Gina, 
My heart aches for you knowing the pain you are feeling at this toss of your dad.  But know that he loved you deeply from the day you were born.  And of course I recall the joy and wonder in his face when he visited when Aidan was born.  He was so proud of his grandsons, that was very evident whenever I had the chance to be around at FaceTime calls.

Despite the loss of the physical presence of your dad, I know that God has given him the job of watching over you and your family throughout your lives.  He loved you all so much........Mom

To the Rowan Family
I am at a loss for words during this sorrowful time.  Please know that I am thinking of you all and praying for peace and comfort.  I pray that in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all the joyful memories shared and I know there were many. Over the years.

We will miss you Uncle Bob! Our prayers are with you! We have a lot of great memories! ❤

We will miss your smiling face at all the family parties.  RIP

To my loving brother who gave so much of himself to his family. I will always remember his smiling face as he came into see me everytime I came to Chicago. He loved his family unconditionally. His daughter Gina and grandchildren were his pride and joy. He never missed any of his great nieces and great nephews birthdays. Thanksgiving was enjoyed with his sister Judy's family and Christmas with his sister Kathy's family. As a little boy I can remember him having a tantrum in the middle of the street. I would get mad but Ma said come on Bobby get up and I'll buy you a hotdog and fries. It worked everytime. When I had my cancer surgery and returning home he sent me a beautiful bouquet  of flowers. He was very loving and thoughtful. He would always leave a phone message "This is your brother Bob." Bobby, my sweet brother I love you❤ . Bet your having a great time with grandma, grandpa, Sheila, Ma, Dad, all our aunts, uncles, cousins. You will always be my little brother Bobby. ❤  Your big sister Terry

Bob, you are in our hearts and will always be remember! Love to my cousins! Love, Linda and Fred Berger

May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time.

Grampa I will miss you so very much and you will always hold a place in my heart rest in peace.

I am so sorry for the loss of my cousin Bob.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Wish I could be at the Memorial Service Monday.  Sending prayers and hugs.
God Bless,
Love,
Sandy & Dave Brown

Rowan family l'm sorry for your loss of Robert. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult. May the God of comfort, comfort you and your family.

Uncle Bob was an amazing man who lived life to the fullest. Throughout the years, it was always fun, laughter, and excitement with him. While his adventuresome spirit is something we all remember as he often took us 'along for the ride', it is his legacy of unconditional love for family that I hold most dear. It wasn't his words but his actions and generosity that spoke volumes. While I have so many wonderful memories of him, I will forever remember how at my brother's lowest point-when our mom passed, Uncle Bob, without a second thought, took him in as if Joey were his own son. Is it any wonder that he stood in my father's stead and walked me down the aisle? I love you dearly Uncle Bob and will remember you always. May I have the same heart towards family and that same spirit that brings life to others as you.....

To my father in law. You will be missed. I will take care good care of your daughter for you till we all meet again.

Dad
I can't tell you Daddy
How many tears I've cried
Since the day I was told
My precious Dad has died.
It seems so impossible
Although I know it's true
As everything I see around
Reminds me of you.
I can still hear your laughter
And see your smiling face
I would have lost my sanity
If not, for Gods saving grace
I have to close this letter now,
But this is not goodbye
For you will forever, be with me
In my heart and mind.
*author unknown
Love you Dad

Our thoughts and prayers go to Bob's family from his friends at the Franzden Golf League.   We have enjoyed his friendship and was a great companion to all.  He was a member of the golf league for quite a few years. Rest in peace, Bob.  P.S. We will be finding golf balls with BOB on them for many more years.   Gary

OBITUARY

Robert P Rowan

November 22, 1946 – May 10, 2016

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services