Former Knollwood Fire Chief Passes Away

The following obituary is courtesy of Wenban Funeral Home.

Robert F. “Bob” Issel, 77, passed away, losing his courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, on June 3, 2015. He passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his loving family. Bob was born to Louis & Hilda Issel in Chicago, Illinois on November 11, 1937. He is the beloved husband of Patricia; proud and loving father of Michael (Elizabeth), Mary Issel-Harper & Kevin (Alison); amazing and caring grandfather to Patrick, Shannon (Christopher) Johnson, Michael (Carrie) Harper, Delanie & Payton; proud great grandfather to Mia Johnson and Emma & Lincoln Harper; adored son-in-law of Cecilia Murphy; cherished brother by marriage to Kathy Faust & Mary Jane Murphy; Bob is survived by his brothers, Ken (Sue) and Bill (Helen) Issel and loving uncle to many. Bob was a member of the Knollwood Fire Department for 37 years. Where he rose through the ranks, retiring as Fire Chief in 1997. His sons and grandson proudly followed in his footsteps, serving the residents of Knollwood as firefighters, until Bob passed the leadership of the Department to his son, Michael. He was a leader and innovator, overseeing the construction of a new fire station, bringing the Knollwood Fire Department to the forefront of modern firefighting. Bob continued his love for the fire service by serving the residents of Knollwood as District Trustee for an additional 10 years. Bob was also an active member of the Lake County Fire Chiefs and Illinois Volunteer Firemen’s Associations. Bob was a pioneer in the Lake County Firemen’s Convention, participating in and coaching his men to numerous County Championships. Bob poured his heart and soul into creating, owning and operating Northern Electric Service, Inc. Northern Electric is a family-owned and operated business, which Bob passed on to his eldest son, Michael, in 2001. His dedication and commitment to residents of the North Shore was outweighed only by his warmth, generosity, and great sense of humor. Bob touched many hearts, and will be truly missed by all. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. TO 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2015 at Wenban Funeral Home, 320 Vine Ave., Lake Forest, Illinois. Memorial service will be held 10:00 A.M., June 20, 2015 at the Lily Reid Holt Memorial Chapel at Lake Forest College, 555 N Sheridan Rd., Lake Forest, IL In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Knollwood Firemen’s Association,www.knollwoodfire.com, Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter www.carecenter.org or the National Parkinson Foundation www.parkinson.org. Info@wenbanfh.com or 847.234.0022.