Obituary of Robert Marquardt

Robert F. Marquardt, Sr. Age 89, of Joliet, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 15, 2013 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center with his loving family by his side. Born to the late John and Augusta Marquardt on October 24, 1924 in Joliet. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Rita Marquardt (nee Sinkular); his loving children, Lavon (Tom) Picco, Larry (Sally) and Robert Jr. (Priscilla) Marquardt; his loving and dedicated grandchildren, Jason (Jayme), Jeremy (Danielle) Marquardt, Kristina, Katie, Jenny Picco and Robert, III and Annah Marquardt; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Nicholas, Kyla, Bailey, Jase and Brody Marquardt; special grandpa figure to Steve, Wess, Eddie, Jessica and Nick; special companion to Sydney and Sunny, his grand dogs; very special friends, Bobbie Johnson, Bill and Judy Skoff and Dolores (late Spike) Ambrozich; sisters-in-law, Darlene Marquardt, Beverly Sinkular, Lorraine Rink; brother-in-law, Raymond Sinkular; and many dear nieces, nephews and friends are left to cherish his memory. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Augusta (Steinhagen); brothers, John, Leroy, Walter, Wallace and Harold; two sisters, Theresa Jachim and Alberta Eungard. Robert served in the United States Navy in World War II aboard the USS Sanders-DE40 and the USS Stormes in the Pacific. He received the Bronze Star and Pacific Ribbons for Marshall and Mariana Islands, Iwo Jima, Okinowa Gunto 10. He was a founding member of the Will County Destroyer Escort Association, member of Destroyer Escort Historical Museum and Memorial Foundation Plank owner. Robert was a member of the IBEW Local #176, retiring in 1987. He has served as Secretary/Treasurer for the retiree club of Local #176 for 25 years. He had just been awarded his 60 year pin at the Union meeting December 12, 2013 and was honored by the body with a standing ovation. Life member Cantigny Post #367, Moran A.C. Moose Lodge #300, Northwest Recreation Club and American Legion Post #1080. Rob was a friend to everyone who knew him. He would go out of his way to help a neighbor or friend. Many memories of sausage making, boating, painting and friendship filled his days along with the love of his life, Rita. His grandchildren came to him for guidance and he always gave truthful, loving advice. His children were blessed with his as the Patriarch of the family. We could always count on him. Together with Rita by his side, they enjoyed 60 years of marriage. Cutting grass, gardening, feeding the birds, making wine, baby-sitting and shoveling snow when we would let him, these things kept him young at heart. The family would like to thank Drs. Kishor Ajmere and Ramesh Patel for the care they provided throughout the years. He was a friend as well as a patient to them. Funeral Services for Robert F. Marquardt will be held Thursday, December 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Navy. In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's name to St. Peter Lutheran Church, 310 N. Broadway, Joliet, IL. Visitation Wednesday 2-7 p.m. For more information: (815) 741-5500 or www.fredcdames.com