Robert L. Zadek

Robert Lawrence Zadek, Sr., 84, Rockford, a beloved and cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather went peacefully with the Lord in the early morning hours of Friday, February 21, 2025, with his wife Rosemarie right beside him. He was born April 26, 1940, in Oak Park IL, The son of Robert F. Zadek and Marie E. Zadek (Jindra). He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserves in 1959 and served for 8 years and was Honorably Discharged.

Robert married Jacqueline L. Braun on April 29, 1961. Together they had two children and in the early 1980’s, Robert and Jackie designed and built a home together; an accomplishment they both were very proud of. In 2008 Jackie sadly passed away. Throughout his life he loved to travel through the United States and Canada; He vacationed in Toronto, Arizona, California wine country, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, New York, and Wisconsin. He coached his children’s softball, baseball, and basketball teams, and in later years he attended and enjoyed his grandchildren’s events.

 He was CFO for Rockford Acromatic Products for several years and was a member of the Illinois Manufacturing Association Institute, Rockford Board of Realtors, The American Legion, and Knights of Columbus 4th Degree. He was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Rockford, IL, since 1971, serving on several committees through the years and commissioning the mural in the basement of the church. Later, Robert was instrumental in the organization and building of Morning Star Village in Rockford, IL. He ran for the U.S. Senate in 2009.

 Robert began a beautiful new chapter with Rosemarie (Krischke) Zadek on December 17, 2011, at the ages of 64 and 71, with a beautiful wedding ceremony at Holy Family Catholic Church.

 Bob was a lifelong lover of the water and the outdoors, especially boating, water skiing, and swimming. He spent his youth on the Fox River in Fox River Grove, IL. and Cary, IL., sharing many stories of his time there growing up. Bob enjoyed many family vacations to Lake of the Ozarks, MO., Frentress Marina in E. Dubuque, IL. (where they had their boat for over 20 years) and at the family cabin on Keyes Lake in Florence, WI. They purchased a vintage wooden boat and showed it in shows across the area, winning many awards.

 Bob couldn’t walk by a piano without playing a few “Boogie Woogie” tunes. He enjoyed a good meal, his model trains, joking with anyone who would listen to his “dad” jokes, his “long cuts” instead of shortcuts while driving, playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and having shaving cream fights at the boat marina. All are great memories his family cherish. He will be greatly missed.

 He is survived by his wife Rosemarie, his children Pamela (David) Wise and Robert (Kathy) Zadek, Jr., Rosemarie’s children Dominic (Michelle) Krischke, Anna Krischke (Monte), Yvette Lilja (Danny), and John (Danna) Krischke. 21 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 2 companion Standard Poodles Inky and Lily. Robert is predeceased by his parents, sister Julie, and late wife Jacqueline.

 A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd., Rockford, IL. 61107, with visitation prior to the service from 10:00a.m. to 11:00a.m. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Cremation rites have been accorded. To share memories and condolences online, please visit, www.fitzgeraldfh.com.