Robert L. Althaus
April 28, 1925 -
March 1, 2017
US Veteran
Robert L. Althaus was never happier than when he had a good martini in hand and good friends around his table. And once you were at that table, you were family—with all the raucous conversation and laughter that went along with it.
Bob was called home on March 1, 2017, the culmination of 91 years of exuberant living that brought real joy to all who were lucky enough to participate.
Born in Chicago, IL, on April 28, 1925, he was the son of the late Robert and Martha (Pins) Althaus. He began his education at St. Jerome’s School and moved on to Quigley Preparatory Seminary of downtown Chicago for high school. After he was politely encouraged to vacate the school for using inappropriate language towards a Christian Brother, Bob transferred to St. George High School, the school from which he would eventually graduate. While at St. George he discovered a real talent for basketball and quickly became a star of the team. Bob never missed an opportunity to share how his team won the City of Chicago Championship in his senior year.
Following high school, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy—and if you knew Bob, you knew how proudly he remembered his service to our country. He chose the Navy because, as he said, “If I’m going to serve, I want to at least be assured of a warm bed and three squares a day.” In the first two years of his deployment, he served as a Captain’s Talker aboard the Destroyer John S. Wilk, while his final two years in the service were spent traveling the country playing basketball with the U.S. Naval Team. He was honorably discharged on October 25, 1946.
Following his military career, Bob attended Loyola University-Lakeshore Campus, where he earned his BS in Business. After several years of drinking beer and “Raising Cain”, he was lucky enough to have a blind date with one Mary H. Hodgins, the woman who would become the greatest love of his life. Although Mary’s family made it perfectly clear that they would not permit her to marry a “bum,” they were soon convinced of his merit, and Bob and Mary were married on November 4, 1950, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Des Plaines, IL. After 56 years of marriage, Mary preceded him in death on February 14, 2006.
He began a distinguished career in sales with the Burrows Corp and eventually relocated his family to Kenosha, WI, where he worked for Moore Business Forms, Inc., a partnership that would last well over thirty years.
Bob took great pride in giving back to both church and community. He and Mary were active members of St. Mary Catholic Church. In his younger years he served as the co-chairman of the annual clothing drive for St. Vincent De Paul Society. Also, Bob will be remembered for coaching St. Mary’s 7th and 8th grade CYO basketball; he helped to shape the lives of many young men. St. Joseph High School held a special place in Bob’s heart—he and Mary sent all seven children through school there—and he served as a charter member of its Men’s Athletic Association. Bob and Mary were honored with the St. Joseph Award in 1978.
Bob leaves a legacy in his six children, Richard (Susan), James (Patricia), Mary (Bruce) Roders, William, Ann (Scott) Carney, and Timothy (Diane Hart) Althaus; his daughter-in-law, Tara Althaus; his ten grandchildren; and two great granddaughters.
He is further survived by his sister, Marlene Krasinski; and his loving nieces and nephew.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mary, Bob was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Althaus; and a daughter-in-law, Cynthia Althaus.
The Althaus family will forever be grateful to the entire staff of the 2200 Wing of United Hospital System – St. Catherine’s Campus for the tenderness shown to Bob in his final days.
You are my sunshine,
My only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are gray.
You’ll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don’t take my sunshine away.
Service Info
Funeral services honoring Bob’s life will be held on Monday, March 6, 2017. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 7400 39th Avenue. Relatives and friends are asked to meet at the church for the Mass. He will privately be laid to rest next to his loving wife, Mary in St. George Cemetery.
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mike lawlerbill sorry for your loss. love your favorite mike
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Dena BaumgartnerTo the Althaus family and especially Bill and Tim. It has been fortunate for us in Tucson to know your parents and I can not help but see Tom and David meeting him with a cigar and Martini or glass of wine. They are telling stories for sure. Hugs to all. Dena Baumgartner
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Steve and Mary Kay LudwigThe Althaus Family. We are deeply sorry for the loss of wonderful father. He always light up the room with his exciting personality. We have truly loss a exceptional man and God gain one. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Steve and Mary Kay Ludwig and Peachy Schroeder
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Nan (Burby) ErdahlBill and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. My heart goes out to all of you. I will keep your family in my prayers. Bill, you probably don't remember me, but you might remember my dad, Ken Burby. He was an usher at St. Mary's for many years.
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EuGene and Ellen BrookhouseDear Bill and family, What a beautiful obituary and tribute to your father. He lived 91 wonderful years. We wish that we would have had the opportunity to know Robert. Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this sad time. Wishing you God's Peace and everything you need to heal your hearts. Gene and Ellen Brookhouse
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Suzanne MillerBill, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad must have been a very interesting gentleman. You and your family are in my prayers.
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Nancy McCarthy BeresTo all the Althaus Family, So sorry to hear the news of Uncle Bob's passing. My siblings and I have great memories of all the "big" parties we had in your backyard! It took me a long time to realize that Uncle Bob and Aunt Mary and all of you were not really blood relatives! Both of your parents were very special to me, they were my Godparents! When I was younger, your Dad always made me feel extra special and always had a little gift for me every time we left! He will be missed and I am thankful that he is not suffering anymore. Can you imagine the party they are all having in heaven! I can hear them clear as day as I am sure all of you can too! Love, Nancy
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Mrs. Deborah F. LarsenDear Bill and family, Our deepest condolences on the loss of your father. Both myself and mom Larsen (Helen) send our thoughts and prayers to you and your entire family.
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Larry and Connie CoeBill, Mary & family, and entire Althaus family, Our prayers and sympathy go out to all of you. Your family has meant so much to so many different people, that it is difficult to imagine how many of us there are who join you in the loss you have to be feeling right now. You are such a special family, and we are sure that part of the reason for that has come through your father. Our prayer for your entire family is that, even in the loss of your father, you always feel God’s presence and recognize his care. Larry and Connie Coe.
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Lynn & David & Sarah BelandMy dear Bill and family, I am do sorry to hear about your the death of your Dad. Dave and I are in crossbillr my for a month, I feel so bad that we are not there to hug you and make sure you are ????. I worry about you. Please call me if you need to talk to your friend and hospice nurse . Any time any where that is what a friend is all about , love you and will keep you in our prayers love Lynn and David and Sarah
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Hope GillespieDear Mary, I am so very sorry for your loss. My memories of all the jokes and laughter at the Althaus home are my very best memories of growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family at this sad time. Love you, HopieJo
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Dave StewartMy Dear Althaus Family: That was the most beautiful and honoring obituary tribute I have ever read. Perfect and completely capturing the amazing life of an incredible man.....your Dad and grandpa! I cannot begin to thank him and each of you for the most beautiful memories over so many wonderful years. And if there's any consolation to be had with his loss it's that he continues his life in the company of all those he so dearly loved and memorialized his entire life. Thank you for sharing him with the world as I was always so grateful that he so lovingly shared you. May your memories be sweet and your love and life blossom in his memory. He certainly made me a better person and I will never forget the kindness, love and laughter that has always been part of me because of knowing him, and you. I love you! Dave
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Sheryl CheathamJim, Patty and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad! Sending thoughts and prayers in this difficult time to you and your family. I hope you are doing well. Best Regards, Sheryl
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Maria CaravatiDear Bill, My sincere condolences in the passing of your beloved father. I'm certain in days to pass you will relish and continue to celebrate the beautiful memories of your father. Grieve now as you need. He and your mother are together again in peace. Much love to you and your family. Sincerely, Maria Caravati
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Dave & Linda (Morelli) KloetOur prayers and sympathy to your family. Bob was an awesome individual! We remember him well, especially his happy demeanor, he always had a smile for everyone! You are so blessed to have had him with you this long! Your family remains in our prayers and thoughts! Dave & Linda (Morelli) Kloet
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Nora MurphyTo all of my Althaus family, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss of the legendary Bobby Lee. I was very fortunate to have such a special man in my life for the few short years that I did and I can still hear him mumbling something smart and laughing under his breath. He touched the hearts of many, mine included, and he will be missed sorely. You all are in my thoughts! Big hugs!
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Cheryl IdeMy condolences to the entire Althaus family in the loss of your father. One is never quite prepared to say goodby to someone so dear. I especially think of you Bill as you were so good to me with the loss of my parents and my husband Tracy. Your empathy and kindness were deeply appreciated. May God hold you all close to his heart and give you peace. Sincerely, Cheryl Ide
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Frances GillespieMr. Althaus was larger than life. I didn't know him well but his daughter Mary was my sister Hope's best friend in high school. I hope he is at peace and that the family is well. A good man. He'll be waiting on the other side. Rest in peace.
