Robert A. Whited

Robert A. Whited, Sr. 79, Roscoe, died Tuesday, March 4, 2014 in Swedish American Hospital. Born September 28, 1934 in Chicago, son of Thomas and Margaret (Cunningham) Whited. Lived in the Roscoe area for the past 13 years coming here from Hanover Park. He met his special love, Barbara A. Rausch at a bowling alley in Chicago and they married on August 24, 1968. At that time he became an instant loving father to four children. He was employed by Chicago Screw Company for 32 years and retired from Rexnord in 2001 following 12 years of employment there. He and Barbara continued their love of bowling for many years and enjoyed traveling together. He was a good dad, often working 3 jobs to support his family. In the early years he played slow pitch softball when he could. Following retirement, he was devoted to caring for his wife during her last 4 years. Upon seeing Barbara's obituary in the newspaper, old friends reconnected and the Old Timers Reunion group was started. Bob loved every minute he could spend with his childhood friends from Forest Park and each meeting of the "Old Timers" gave him hours of wonderful memories.

Survivors include his children, Dale Smith, Kathy (Mike) Oliver, Barbara (Ted) Kledzik, Connie (Glenn) Lumpkins, Karen (Gary) Nevin and Robert (Kristina) Whited, Jr.; grandchildren, Angie Smith, Jeremy Smith, Megan Smith, Stacie (Bill) Leese, Heather (Wally) Haime, Trina (Kris) Jones, Jonathan (Sarina Ranfil) Kledzik, Kristen (Scott) Abuhl, Jim (Brittney) Kledzik, Jacob (Samantha Richter) Kledzik, Barbie (Tyler Moisa) Kledzik, Brandy (Jim) Swanson, Kerry (Kelley Erwin) Lumpkins, Megan Mikals and Nathan Whited; great-grandchildren, Kyle Smith-Duffey, Jack Robledo, Joey, Ben and Tommy Leese, Eryk, Kodi and Sam Jones, Charles and Blake Haime, Laken Block, Josh Kledzik and Caeson; brother-in-law, Pete Skehan. brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Marlene Rausch; nieces and nephews, Thomas, Kenneth, Patrick, Mary, Margarette, John and Karen. Predeceased by his wife, parents, step-mother, Helen Whited, grandson, Joey Kledzik, brother, Thomas Whited and sister, Mary Skehan.

The family would like to give a special thanks to all the care givers at Swedish American Hospital and Alpine Fireside Health Center.

Funeral service at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2014 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Rev. Janet Wold officiating. Visitation from 2:00 p.m. until time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association. Express condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeralddfh.com.