Robert "Bob"

Robert "Bob" Zauke, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026. Born on February 7, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois, Bob's life was a testament to love, laughter, and dedication. Bob was the son of the late Walter G. and Eula M. (Widener) Zauke. He spent his formative years in Chicago, where he developed a keen interest in how things worked, a curiosity that would later define his career and hobbies. In 1971, Bob earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Bradley University, setting the stage for a successful 19-year career at GTE. It was also in 1971 that Bob married the love of his life, Ellen Weaver, on July 17. Together, they built a warm and nurturing home filled with love and laughter. Their 55-year union was blessed with two wonderful children, Lisa (Charles) Huff and Kevin (Kerstin) Zauke, who were raised with the values of kindness, resilience, and humor that Bob embodied. In addition to his wife and children, Bob is survived by 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and his older brother Walter. A man of many interests, Bob had a passion for woodworking and model RC planes, and he delighted in backyard nature, even training a cardinal to eat from his hand. Bob's aversion to ladders was well-known, as was his ability to fix almost anything, band instruments included. His hands were never idle; when not making toys for less fortunate children, he was likely grilling or sharing his well-researched, humble opinions over a cup of coffee. His sense of humor and quick wit were notable. He was always generous with his time, whether it was donating nearly 14 gallons of blood over his lifetime, or lending a helping hand to others. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the American Red Cross or your local animal shelter. As we say goodbye to Bob, we celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the indelible mark he left on his family and friends.