Robert F. Witherspoon
Robert F. Witherspoon, age 76, of Bolingbrook. US Air Force Veteran. Beloved husband of Cheryl. Loving father of Gail (Moe) Fickas, Julie (Bob Kennedy) Murray, Marianne, Craig, Carolyn (Greg) King and Jonathon. Devoted grandfather of Kimberly, Nicole (Tyler), Taylor, Kierstin, Kyle, Kayla, Rowan, Gavin and the late Joseph Patrick. Adoring great-grandfather of Brooklyn, Brayden, Bryce, Brantley, Weston and Bradley. Dear brother of Barbara Mitchell, Patricia LaForest, Frank Witherspoon, James Witherspoon and the late Howard Witherspoon. Fond uncle to many.
Bob loved two things most in life, his family and learning. Married for over fifty-two years, he never passed up an opportunity to surprise his loving wife or collude with his children on said surprise. Family was always first. As a father, Bob made sure his children had everything they needed, and even items they did not yet know they needed. Left to his own devices, you may have ended up with a piece of new technology he liked or a tool that he had researched. Better yet, it would not have been unusual to pull into your driveway to find Bob on a ladder trimming your tree he had decided needed trimming. As a grandfather, Bob cherished his grandchildren’s sense of wonder through trips to the zoo, coin collections, museum outings, and countless hours spent watching fish at the Shedd Aquarium.
Bob’s passion for learning left its mark on his life, as well. After completing an undergraduate degree at Ferris State University, Bob earned his master’s at Northern Illinois University, choosing a career in education. As a professor, Bob not only spread his infectious enthusiasm for learning, but also his dedication to helping others succeed. Bob was a lifelong learner and an avid reader; one trip to his office would give you the breadth of his interests: calligraphy, photography, travel, birds, computer design, home improvement, painting, politics, and his latest endeavor, Spanish. All it took was one question to elicit Bob’s enthusiasm on myriad topics, his favorite being politics. It was not unknown for him to personally pen profiles of competing candidates.
In addition to spending time with his family and reading up on new subjects, Bob enjoyed keeping fit and socializing at his health club, working in the yard, volunteering at the Brookfield Zoo, frequenting Starbucks, attending Broadway plays, and traveling with his family and friends.
Visitation 3-9pm Friday March 2nd at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 301 75th St., Downers Grove. Prayers 9:15am Saturday March 3rd from the funeral home to St. Scholastica Church for Mass at 10am. Interment private.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Chicago Zoology Society at czs.org. All memorials will be used to help continue funding the Hamill Family Play Zoo.
Funeral info 630-964-6500
Bob was one of a kind. It was an honor and a pleasure to know him. Cheryl, my heart goes out to you and yours during this difficult time.
Cheryl, this is so difficult to understand. Only our faith tells us that there are better things ahead with our Lord. Why does it have to be so painful. Bob’s Zoo friends grieve with you and your family. Love. Max and Sharron
Bob was the sweetest and kind man. I’m happy I got to know him at hamill. Rest In Peace and may God bring peace to the family.
I got to know Bob when I was volunteering at the Hamill Family Play Zoo at the Brookfield Zoo back in 2008. We gave him the nickname “Bob the Builder sense he was always asked to build thing for the Hamill Family Play Zoo. Bob you will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Cheryl and the Witherspoon family.
Bob was a great inspiration to me back in the days of our time together at Ferris State, Cheryl, our hearts ???? go out to Y’all and may the Peace of God be on you and the family! I’m sorry we cannot come over this week, Mary’s Mom is coming home today with a new Aortic Valve, she is doing great for 91 ????????. We love Y’all an we will keep you in our prayers ???????? Bob & Mary Tiel.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May God give you strength and comfort in the days ahead.
Bob was a man that wanted to help others. His attitude in helping others never was intended to
bring credit to himself. I wish I had known he
graduated from Ferris State since I am a graduate
of Alma College. May God bless his family and
those that knew Bob. All of us will miss all he did
for us.
It was a pleasure working with Bob at Triton College. He was devoted to his students and displayed the characteristics of an
outstanding faculty member. He was a leader in the Annuitants’ Association, keeping other retirees up to date on issues relating to
potential attempts to change the pension system. His tireless efforts are greatly appreciated and will be long remembered.
What a loss. I worked with Bob for several years at Triton. He had such a organized calm way of getting to the point and getting things done. He was so dedicated to the students, faculty, college and union. He was a man respected by all. My sympathies to his family.
Cheryl –
On behalf of the Edward-Elmhurst Fitness centers, please accept our deepest sympathy. Bob was a regular and many of us enjoyed his smile, humor and helpful suggestions. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Cindy Eggemeyer
We cannot imagine the impact of this loss. We got to know him through the Play Zoo. Bob was always was quick to lend a hand or a smile to someone in need. He even helped my husband secure a job at Triton College. Our deepest sympathies. Mila & Rob Love
What a loss. I worked with Bob for several years at Triton. He had such a organized calm way of getting to the point and getting things done. He was so dedicated to the students, faculty, college and union. He was a man respected by all. My sympathies to his family.
I am so sad to hear about Bob. I was a student of his at Triton in the ’80’s.
Because of him I finished and also got a career. I also became a friend.
I will miss him. God bless him and all of his family and many friends.
I was Bob’s student worker for a year at Triton College. During that time, I learned a great deal about managing people, skills I used myself as a manager at College of DuPage. Bob inspired me to pursue a career in education and encouraged me to volunteer at my Catholic church. Because of Bob, I met my husband, Ron, who was a full-time Triton employee at the time. We will be married 43 years this year and over the years have shared many times how we met in Bob’s office. We will keep Bob and family in our prayers. Our deepest sympathy to all.