Robert B. McLaughlin

Robert “Bob” Blair McLaughlin was born June 16, 1934, in Chicago, IL to Earl and Mary (Raftree) McLaughlin. Bob was predeceased by his parents and siblings, James McLaughlin and Ruth Ann (Melvin), and brother-in-laws, Marshall Melvin and Harry Schloetter, and sister-in-law, Sister Karen Anne Jackson C.S.C. He is survived by his wife, Mary Lourdes (Jackson), five children and twelve grandchildren: daughter Mary Anne and husband Ray Pifer with sons Mark and Mike, son Robert and wife Jackie with children Amy Lynn, Thomas, Sean and Sarah, daughter Kathy and husband Jeff Champion, son William “Bill” and partner Elisa (Vertiz) with daughters Emma, Madaline, and Grace, son Mike and daughter-in-law Dana (Moffenbier) and children Julianna, Grey, and Stuart. Also surviving him is his beloved sister Joan Schloetter of Petaluma California, and cousin Kathleen Conmey (Larry) of Mt. Vernon Iowa, as well as, numerous nieces, nephews, God children, and special friends.

He grew up on the southside of Chicago attending Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. In his teen years he worked at his father’s pharmacy in the soda bar while attending St. Ignatius High school where he ran track. He graduated from the University of Detroit in 1956 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. While at the University of Detroit he enjoyed an active social life and was a member of the St. Francis Club. In 1957 he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served two years in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1959. He returned to the University of Detroit for a Master’s Degree and met his wife of almost 63 years, Mary Lourdes. 

Bob started a 61-year career as a Certified Public Accountant in Detroit while also starting a family with Mary Lou. In 1971, he accepted a transfer to Rockford. For the next 53 years, he served his community as a businessman who truly enjoyed personally meeting with his clients and their families. His contributions to the community he loved extended far beyond his accounting and business practices. He served on numerous local boards and consulted officially and unofficially for many local, national, and international non-profit organizations. Locally he contributed to the efforts of St. Elizabeth Center, Kiwanis of Rockford, Carpenter’s Place, Junior Achievement, Family Counseling Center, and St. Vincent DePaul Society (St. James Parish and Holy Family Parish). He also served as a volunteer night chaplain for Swedish American Hospital for many years. Internationally he contributed to the efforts of Hope for Haitians/Food for the Poor and SOIL Haiti. 

His family would like to thank all those who assisted him with transportation to morning Masses, men’s groups, weekend retreats in Oshkosh, WI and other spiritual enrichment programs after he could no longer drive. Thank you to OSF Hospice for their professional, compassionate, and loving care. A special thank you to his caregivers Tea, Alma, and Larysa for allowing him to be at home until his passing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Jesuit Retreat House, Carpenter’s Place, or SOIL Haiti.

Services for Robert and Mary McLaughlin will be held jointly to honor their lives together. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024, with a Rosary at 6:45 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Road, Rockford, IL 61107. Burial will conclude in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Winnebago, IL.

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