Petkus, Robert Owen Of Hinsdale died August 8, 2012 at The University of Chicago Medical Center in Chicago after a brief illness. Mr. Petkus, 67, was born to Alexander and Martha Petkus in 1944 in Coffeeville, KS and grew up in Des Plaines, IL. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Janie Petkus (nee Purcell); his children, Geoff (Arpie) Petkus and Liz (Gates) Ryan; his grandchildren, Jack, Patrick, Teddy, Keira, Calvin; his sister, Linda; and his brothers, David, Larry (Heidi). Visitation Tuesday, August 14th, 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Gibbons Elliston Funeral Home, First and Grant, Hinsdale. The family is also planning a memorial celebration to be held on Friday, August 24th at 4:00 pm at the Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge, 5901 S. County Line Rd., Hinsdale. The event will be an opportunity for kids and adults to celebrate Bob's legacy with testimonials, stories, humor, child-play, food and drinks. In lieu of flowers the family wishes that a donation be made to the Bob Petkus Memorial Parks & Rec Fund. Bob was the commissioner of Hinsdale Parks and Rec for 8 years and fully believed in the importance of parks and play in life. The fund will be used for an improvement project in Hinsdale in Bob's honor. Make checks payable to: Bob Petkus Memorial Parks & Rec Fund and mail to P.O. Box 574 Hinsdale, IL 60521. For information, please call 630-323-0275 or www.gibbonsellistonfuneralhome.com.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Aug. 12, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Petkus

16 Entries

Rich, Janet and Crystel King

September 1, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

August 22, 2012

Janie

So sorry about Bob's passing. He was my mentor and frind on the park and rec board. I was an honor to carry on his legacy and share his vision as i chaired the commission over 5 years. He will be missed. Becky and I wish we could join you to celebrate his life on Friday, however we will be in Colorado for a wedding.

Thoughts and prayers at this time,

Paul B. Sigfusson,DDS
Chair Park & Rec Commission. 2003-2008

Joe and Julie Ryne

August 21, 2012

Janie and family,
As you move through these, hard times we hope that you find moments of grace and family memories when you need them the most. I had the pleasure to serve with Bob on the Hinsdale, Park and Recreation Commission. He was always fair and had a great vision for our parks. We will miss his big grin and smile. It was our pleasure to have crossed his path. Fondly, Joe and Julie Ryne

August 16, 2012

Dear Janie,
I was so saddened to learn that you had lost your dear Bob. Such a wonderful man. My sincere sympathy to you Liz and Geoff.
Love, Marguerite Guido
Hinsdale, IL

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Gary and Ellen Kiiskila

August 15, 2012

Dear Janie, Geoff and Liz,, We don't have the words to express our deep grief for your loss. Gary and I are so very grieved. We are speechless, and want to give you a hug. We have prayed and ask God to hold and comfort you. We can help you here in Wild Rose, whatever you need. With much love, Kiiskilas, Gary and Ellie &(Hans Amy Heath Lulu Levi Pete and Sarah)

Judy Gerardi

August 15, 2012

I believe I worked for this Bob Petkus as his secretary back in the 80's at FMC. He was a very kind and gentle person. His humor and that of his friend Will Boward kept all of us laughing. My prayers are with his wife and family.

Gail Powers Greenfelder

August 15, 2012

Janie, my heart goes out to you and your family.
Love in our Phi Mu bond,
Gail Powers Greenfelder

Dianne and Bob Meyer

August 14, 2012

Janie, Geoff, and Liz--
We are so sorry to learn about Bob, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies. You have many happy family memories that we hope will help comfort you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

deb reinhart

August 13, 2012

Janie
may faith and family surround you at this time. I am so very sorry for your loss.Deb Reinhart ASID

August 13, 2012

Deepest condolences to you and your family, Janie. Love in our bond, your Phi Mu sister, Nancy (Krainc) O'Halloran

August 12, 2012

Janie,Geoff and Liz,
Even though we did not know you all that well - and I really regret that - Peggy and I miss you a lot, a most of all we miss Bob's big, happy, infectious smile.
most sincerely,
john and peggy prugh

mary peglow (spoo)

August 12, 2012

God's peace to the family. We were classmates at maine west. You made a difference, well done!

Cameron Blodgett

August 12, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Chadd Blodgett

August 12, 2012

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Kimberly Rose

August 12, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.