Robert Miller

A precious man has been lost. Robert (Bob) Joseph Miller was born in Minnesota on January 17, 1923 and passed away peacefully at the Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago on May 28, 2011. Bob was preceded in death by his first wife Marilyn, his son Michael, his second wife Eileen, and brother Charles. He leaves many to cherish his memory, his children Mary (Jeff) Wickert and Mark Miller; stepchildren Kim Whiteside, Sheri Whiteside and Greg (Suzanne) Whitesied; sisters Jean and Charlotte; and brothers Don and Louis; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bob was the oldest son of six children. Due to the hardships of the depression, he was separated from the rest of his family at the age of five and was raised in Milwaukee by his relatives. He remembers waving good bye to his younger sister, Jean and younger brother, Don and did not see them again until recent years. On Pearl Harbor Day, he joined the Army and fought proudly in the Battle of the Bulge during WWII. When he returned to the country he loved, he worked in several different occupations, but most proudly as the Environmental Supervisor at the Clubs of Great Lakes Naval Base. Bob continued to be active in numerous service organizations, including the VFW Post 7448 Winthrop Harbor and PLAV Post 25 North Chicago. Perhaps his most important achievements can be noted after his retirement, when he became a dedicated volunteer, serving others, especially veterans at the VA Hospital in North Chicago, Sheirdan Health Care Center, and several other organizations. He made sure there was always coffee available for the outpatients at the VA, where he was known as "Coffee Bob". The folks at Sheridan Health Care Center have enjoyed donuts from Piggly Wiggly during their coffee hour because Bob was willing to go there Sunday mornings to pick them up and deliver them; his family and friends continued this tradition when Bob's health failed and he could no longer do it himself. He frequently delivered flags to veterans at their bedsides in nursing homes, and organized groups of Boy Scouts to place flags in veteran's cemeteries. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Eddie Mendez for his dedication and love he showed to Bob the past 4 years. Eddie was Bob's Guardian Angel; and to Sue Murphy who loved Bob unconditionally who was also there for many years by his side, we also will be forever gratefully to you; and Cristina Rodriguez who comforted Bob with prayer and song and was so attentive to his needs. Bob's three angels. Not to mention the countless other who have touched Bob's life. Thank you all. Bob's generosity extended to his many family and friends, especially during his later years. He was frequently described as cute, sweet and charming especially by the ladies. He loved dancing, Bingo, and Cribbage. His little dogs, Missy and Cameron were his constant companions. Bob was a good man who impacted many lives. He was loved by many and will never be forgotten. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion from 3:00 until 6:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service to follow at 6:00 p.m.