Robert Rietveld Obituary

Dear Bob you will always be missed. I loved your sense of humor. When you and Michael and Johnny were together it was like a comedy show. You were always so great to our family my mom and dad also loved very very much. I hope you guys are all together now and watching over us and keeping us safe. RIP Bobby,

To Reggie and the girls,

I know that this has been a long struggle for you all. It still seems so unreal that Bob is really gone. Even though we didn't see him very much in the last few years, we always considered him still a part of our family. We never stopped caring about him and thinking of him.
Your Dad would have been so proud of the way that his daughters conducted themselves at the wake and the funeral. You represented the Rietveld name as he would have wanted.
You all are in our prayers daily and we will help in any way possible.
We loved Bob and we love all of you. Lean on each other and reach out to others when you need to. We are here if you need us.

Uncle Michael, Auntie Jan, Michael and Emily

Dear Reggie, so sorry to read of Bob's passing. We haven't run into each other in years but I still have many memories of our kids being together at St Jude's. God bless you in your time of grief. Nancy Wright Crowley

For those of you who would like to have this, here is the eulogy from Uncle Bob's funeral. He will be truly missed.

It is in the everyday that we struggle to define ourselves, it is in every thought and action that we hope to become the person we know we can be. But there will come a day when that great struggle has ended, when we have spoken our last word and carried out our last good deed. It is then that our loved ones and the life we leave behind must speak on our behalf.

I am here today, proud to rejoice and to recount the life of my brother Bob. There are a million words to describe him, but those who knew him best know he was a cherished son, a loving father, a faithful friend, and an admirable brother. In his life he had many distinguished accomplishments, he raised 5 beautiful and caring daughters, and even on this day when the tears may cloud their eyes I can see him in their smile. He was a business man who had a way with people and was even patient enough to be in business with me. Still, over all of these things, he believed. He believed in a God that gave him a purpose and a hope for life. He trusted that whether he was in light or in darkness, he was never alone.

In that same way God is able to comfort us today. In the New Testament Paul relates to our broken hearts when he says, “That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” And it is in this belief and hope that we can feel joy in the midst of sorrow, as I know Bob would have wanted.

I now look at my mother, a strong and virtuous woman, and know that through her sadness permeates a pride and love for her beloved son, a kind of love that only a mother understands. Some of you may know that I am the youngest in my family and that my brother was somewhat of a father to me. I lost my dad at a young age, and don’t remember much, but Bob was fortunate enough to have the privilege of knowing him and being able to look back on fond memories. I may not have known my father for long but I do know that he would have been proud of his son Bob. Proud to see the multitude of lives that he touched and the brotherly love that he extended to so many.

To define Bob’s life is to speak of times of great trial and also times of satisfaction and peace. As we look back and recount the memories of old holidays spent with Timbo in a Santa suit and Bob arriving early to the Christmas party with a casserole in hand, let us not forget one of Bob’s best qualities. Bob was a thoughtful and intent listener, always ready to sit down and hear what you had to say without interruption or judgment. He taught us patience at times when we may have gone the other way. And if we could return the favor and listen to him now what would we hear him say?

I believe that he would tell us to take no part in the suffering, but instead to find happiness in the lives we have ahead of us. To go out from here and be saved from this world that takes so much. To know that although we may turn our backs on God, he never turns from us, in fact, he turns toward us and now my brother can be face to face with his creator and know His peace.

Philippians 4:4-7 reads, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” And my prayer is that you can feel this peace today, that you will not leave here with a sense of weariness or despair, but rather with a renewed sense of joy and hope. Hope that one day we can all be fortunate enough to no longer call this place our home.

To The Entire Rietvled Family:
I wanted to let my family know how much I appreciate you. As we mourn the loss of our brother Bob, our family pulled together like a fine oiled machine. It is an honor and a priviledge to have such a loving and caring family that works together as a team. Carol & Mark, Rick & Kris, Bill & Val and Tim & Donna, thank you for being You!

To our Mom, thank you for raising us with spiritual values, morals and integrity. You have been there for all of us through the good times and the hard times. I speak for all of us when I say, we appreciate you soooo much. We Love You Mom!

To all my nieces Gina, Jill, Jenny, Janie and Jessie we love you with all our hearts. Your Dad was a great person with a great sense of humor and he will be truly missed. Our hearts go out to you during this time of loss.

To Reggie, you are like a sister to me, we love you! Thanks for all the good memories and being a part of our family.

To the entire Rizzuto family, I feel like your my second family. I know Bob was like a son or brother to all of you. Thanks for being there for him. I know he loved all of you.

To my wonderful husband Gary, who was by my side during this difficult time. Thank-You

Dear Uncle Bob (Captain Bob)-
I'll cherish all the fun times we had at the cottage! All the rides on the party bardge and the silver bullet! And the fires you would build for us at night! I will miss you so much!! I love you uncle bob! To Aunt Reggie, Gina, Jenny, Jill, Janie and Jessie I love you all so much and will be here for your during this tough time. I love you all!

Rietveld Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I will always hold onto the memories of the parties at my parents house, your house in South Holland and the friendships that were created. I understand your loss...as I miss my own father...

Dear Bill, Val and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May your memories give you strength and the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.
We are here for you. Love, Dave, Shell, Jake and Kelsey

Reggie and the Rietveld girls,
From the first time I ever came to your house, your family has always been one of the most loving, charismatic and enjoyable group of people I have ever been with and I know that Bob had a lot to do with that. His sense of humor has rubbed off on all of you and I know that it will carry on for a long time, as I can see it already in his grandkids. I could always tell how much he loved each of you and I remember one night at his house in Homewood when everyone was coming in at different times, his face lit up each time one of you girls came in. He was definitely at his happiest when you were all around.
He’s going to be missed a great deal and although nothing can even begin to take away the hurt you’re all feeling, just know that you have someone very special watching over you in all the big steps yet to come in your lives. You’re an amazing family and I know you are all going to be a really good source of support for each other.
Love, Nick.

To all of Cousin Bob's dear family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Living in Colorado, I have missed out on so many wonderful loving family memoreis that you must all have of Bob.
Bob was a great
cousin and I have fond memories of
earlier years with him at family gatherings. He was so much fun to be around. He made everyone laugh so hard. He always had a smile on his face, and a twinkle in his eyes.
God Bless you all.

Uncle Bob always made me laugh! I rode to work with him every day to the job he gave me. Every time (and I mean EVERY TIME) we saw a construction sign that read "Shoulder Work Ahead" he'd crunch up his shoulders and say, "Oh good! Lets pull over -my shoulders are killing me!"..... and for some reason, every time - I laughed! That was more than 25 years ago and I still can't pass one of those signs without thinking of uncle Bob!

He took on way more than his fair share of the responsibilities of our entire family. For more than 25 years he has provided employment to several family members or included them in partnerships. If I did not work for him I would not have met the father of my three beautiful children. He gave me a job, a fancy title, a ride to work, and in part, even my family.

He touched so many lives - I don't know of any person who met Bob, that didn't LOVE Bob! He was accepting of others, never judgemental, always failthful and ready with a hug or a funny comment - whatever you needed.

I hope in heaven he is sitting back twirling his hair watching a Chicago Bears football game.
I truly loved him, I will greatly miss him, and I will NEVER forget all he has done for me.

To BDR, we had some good times at the house in Frankfort and you always made me feel welcome and like a member of the family. Your beautiful daughters have and always will be my friends, you have left a wonderful legacy in them and your grandchildren.

Reg and family, Marc and I are at a loss, we can't even begin to say how sorry we were to hear about Bob. We go back a long, long time. Bob was the best and we always had a great time. He always kept us laughing. We have fond memories of Bob and Ray and the cruise we all took and also all the great times at your cottage on the "party barge" and going to flea markets. We will hold these dear to our hearts forever. You are in our prayers, Love, Marc and Sue

To the Rietveld Girls: We were so sorry to hear about your dad. As a kid, I always thought he was such a fun guy, and even though I haven't seen him in many years, I can and will always remember him watching the stock market quotes on Saturday mornings and twirling his hair around his finger. You are in my and my parents thoughts.

My deepest sympathy to my beautiful nieces Gina, Jenny,Jill,Janie and Jessie. Your dad was like my brother. I have known him most of my life. I will treasure the wonderful and fun times we all had together. Nothing could ever be better than those. His sense of humor was outstanding. No one could make me laugh harder than your dad. He will always be loved and missed. Auntie Linda

Bill, Val and Family,
We are very sorry for your sudden loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are here if you need anything!!
Sincerely, The Proctor Family

Dear Dad,
I just want you to know how much I love and care about you. You are a wonderful, beautiful and caring person. I hope I can take all these qualities that you have instilled in us girls and pass them on to my children. You will be missed dearly. Love, Gina

Dear Dad- I love you and I will miss you more than you will ever know. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories, for your sense of humor and outlook on life, and for your kind generous spirt. Love Jilly

Reggie & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

My sympathy to the entire Rietveld family. Bob was a good friend and client of mine the past 10 years and I always enjoyed spending time with him talking about various topics including country music which he came to love. He will be missed.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.