Robert Westrom

Robert G. Westrom, age 87, long-time resident of West Chicago, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family. Bob was born on February 4, 1925 in Des Moines, IA the son of the late Fred and Grace Westrom.

Bob served in the US Navy from June 1943 to December 1945 during WWII, where he served as a mineman and electrical specialist aboard multiple vessels in the Pacific Theatre. Bob was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW.

Bob and his wife Chicki owned and operated the Shoe Tree from 1954-1967, Microchem-Mosquito and Pest Control from 1967-1986 and Microdata-Microfilm Service Bureau from 1974 until his retirement in 2005. Bob was involved in many community groups such as the Jaycees, Jr. Jaycees, the Rotary Club and once received the Citizen of the Year honors. Bob was elected and served as a District 94 high school board member for 13 years, 9 of which as its President. He was a 20 year volunteer fireman for the West Chicago Fire Department and West Chicago Fire Protection District, serving in a later role as Deputy Chief. Bob was instrumental, along with a small group of others, pushing for the creation of the West Chicago Fire Protection District.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Thelma "Chicki" Westrom; loving children, Dean (Deborah) Westrom of West Chicago, Lee Westrom of Warrenville, Jan Chase, Brad (Janice) Westrom, all of Aurora; nine grandchildren, Kyle (Jenifer) Westrom, Jill (Nathan) Jeppesen, Robin (Sean) Tardy, Abby and Kelly Westrom, Matthew and Dustin Westrom, Jason and Nicholas Reardon; six great-grandchildren, Dalon and Claire Jeppesen, Maryn and Camryn Tardy, Collin Westrom and Alarick Richey; and two nephews, James and Jerry Westrom.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Wendall and John Westrom, sister-in-law Arvilla, mother and father-in-law, E. Dean and Thelma Robertson; and one niece, Joanne Detente.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 12, 2012 from 2 to 8 pm at Norris-Walen-Segert Funeral Home, 132 Fremont St., West Chicago (One block north of Washington St. & Main St). Funeral services will take place on Monday, August 13, 2012 at 11 am at the funeral home. Reverend Patrick Skinner officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Oak Cemetery in West Chicago. In lieu of flowers contributions in Bob's memory can be made to the American Legion Post 300, 123 Main St., West Chicago, IL 60185 or the VFW Post 6791, 431 N. Neltnor, West Chicago, IL 60185. For Info 630-231-0060 or www.norriswalensegertfh.com