Robert Charles Brothman

Robert "Bob" Brothman ,80, passed away Thursday, January 2, 2025, while in hospice at home. He was born April 20, 1944, in Oak Park, IL, the son of the late Oscar and Esther (nee Ryan) Brothman. He was a graduate of Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL. He attended Wright Junior College in Chicago for two years and then completed a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education at Eastern Illinois University. He also achieved a Master's degree in education through Roosevelt University. Bob and his family have been parishioners at Our Lady of Humility Church since 1975, and Bob served as a Eucharistic minister there for many years. 

Immediately following his graduation from EIU in November 1967, he began his 35-year teaching career in Physical Education, Driver's Education and Health at North Chicago Community High School, North Chicago, IL. Early in his teaching career, Bob coached tennis and football at NCCHS and later had the privilege of coaching both tennis and football in the Waukegan School District. He also devoted 12 years in retirement as an assistant coach for both boys' and girls' tennis at Warren Township High School. 

Bob believed in the importance of physical education as a key to life-long good health for his students. Bob treasured the opportunities he had to coach young athletes and to work alongside fellow coaches in those various sports at the high school level. For 12 years, Bob lovingly devoted time to coaching his daughters' 6-8 grade basketball teams at Our Lady of Humility School. 

On August 10, 1968, he married Judith Marie Berg (Judy) in her hometown of Lincoln, IL. For much of their lives Bob and Judy enjoyed tennis and travel. Family vacations were a must. Recently, attending grandchildren's various school events and sporting events became a priority as his family grew. Most recently, Bob taught the sport of pickleball to all the grandchildren and loved playing weekly in his local pickleball group with friends. 

Bob was a beloved teacher, coach, and doubles partner throughout his life. 

Survivors include his wife, Judy; three daughters, Pamela (Scott) Payette of Kenosha WI, Karen (Peter) Miley of Chicago, IL, and Laura (John) Guttormsen of Pleasant Prairie, WI; ten grandchildren, Evan Payette, Benjamin Payette, Max Payette, Cassidy Miley, Drew Miley, Wade Miley, Charlie Guttormsen, Olive Guttormsen, George Guttormsen, and Reese Guttormsen. Bob's sister, Jean Ryan Brothman of Sonoita, AZ. Other surviving family members are Richard and Linda Berg of Tucson, AZ, Gail Shimashita Berg of Downers Grove, IL, Donald and Fran Berg of Lakewood Ranch, FL and many dear nieces and nephews. 

Bob was preceded in death by Bernice and Laverne Berg and Robert Berg. 

Memorial visitation will be on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL 60099. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St Brigid Parish - Our Lady of Humility Church, 10655 W Wadsworth Rd, Beach Park, IL 60099 with innichement to follow at All Saints Cemetery in Pleasant Prairie, WI. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Our Lady of Humility School scholarship fund or cityofhope.org for pancreatic cancer research would be appreciated. 

His family is grateful to the City of Hope doctors and nurses for their caring treatment during Bob's illnesses and grateful also for the care of hospice nurses from St. Croix Hospice. 

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