Obituary of Robert Raymond Lewandowski
Robert Raymond Lewandowski
Age 92, of Shorewood, IL, formerly of Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, Sunday, November 12, 2017 at the Timbers of Shorewood. He was born in Chicago, on May 11, 1925 to the late Stella (nee Gibas) and Leonard A. Lewandowski. This is where he grew up, attending Burr Elementary School and Lane Technical High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, at the age of 17, and proudly served his country during World War II, as a Seabee. When he returned home, he worked for various companies and went back to college and became an Industrial Engineer. After working for several companies he was hired by the first Heisman Trophy recipient, Jay Berwanger, who became his good friend and mentor. He worked for Hood Sponge Rubber Company. He then moved on to work for Ludwig Drum Company, as the Plant and Personnel Manager. The Company was located on Damen Avenue in the same neighborhood that he lived in most of his life. He hired many people from the neighborhood, acting as a mentor, always trying to give someone an opportunity. Ludwig was sold to Selmer Industries and he continued his role, until he retired after more than 50 years of service. He never missed a day of work in his life and enjoyed going to work every day.
Robert, know as Bob, was a faithful member of St. Mary of the Angels Parish in Chicago. He was an active member in the church's Holy Name Society, served as an usher during Mass and also belonged to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He also loved working with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts at St. Mary's. He loved sports and played softball as a kid, and also during his service days, as well as various places of employment. Bob loved to golf, especially with his sons, and also enjoyed bowling. He coached a basketball team at St, Mary's, and one of his favorite moments was coaching the CYO Basketball Team to a City Title in the 1970's. But nothing fulfilled him more than cheering on his grandchildren. He offered then unconditional love while witnessing them become adults and starting families on their own.
He joined Holy Family Parish, shortly after moving to Shorewood, where he made many friends and enjoyed living. He always looked forward to wintering in Clearwater, Florida. We will sorely miss this wonderful, "people person", who championed others successes, served his country and community and loved his family immensely.
He was the beloved husband of the late Evelyn (nee Stoinski) Lewandowski, who he was married to for 30 years. Loving Father to Barbara (Casimir) Pashup of Chicago, Edward (Cindy) Lewandowski of Shorewood, Robert (Irene) Lewandowski of Wonder Lake, IL, Lynda (Kevin) Morrill of Clearwater, FL. Devoted Grandfather to Jennifer (Greg) Graham and Casey (Denyse) Pashup; Michelle (Matt) Fish, Laura (Steve) Hilger and Meagan (Adam) DeGroot, Danielle and Bradley Lewandowski; Nicole, Matthew and Julianne Morrill. Also proud Great Grandfather to 15. Several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his wife and parents, he is also preceded in death by one sister, Lorraine (late John) Rutkowski, and one brother, Edward (late Dorothy) Lewandowski.
The Lewandowski family will always remember the compassion and warmth Robert received from Ms. Faith Varga, the CNAs, and all the staff of the Timbers, as well as his caretakers, Pete and Al, who provided loving care to our father this past year.
Funeral services for Robert Lewandowski will be held Monday, November 20, 2017 at 9:15 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 Brook Forest Ave., Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Graveside interment will take place at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Niles, IL on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held Sunday, November 19, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
