Robert E. (Bob) Claude, 92, rejoined the Lord on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at the home of his son, Peter, in Hagar Township, MI.
Born to Elsie and John B. Claude on December 13, 1929, Bob grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and spent his summers on Big Cedar Lake in West Bend. In 1948, Bob enrolled at Parks Air College at St. Louis University, earned his wings and a mechanical engineering degree and received a commission in the United States Air Force. After flight training and deployments to France, he was sent into combat in Korea in 1952 where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism in air combat, saving the lives of his crew at great risk to his own. During this time, he met the love of his life, Dorothy (Woodward) whom he married in 1955. Bob was a sales engineer and manager whose career took him all over the country and ultimately, the world. He became known as a well-respected executive who could turn domestic companies into global ones. His last role brought him and Dorothy back to the Midwest where they settled in Lake Forest, Illinois and purchased their dream house in Michigan overlooking Lake Michigan. Dorothy preceded him in heaven in 2011 after 56 wonderful years of marriage. Bob loved a good game of golf and an continued his aeronautical career as a pilot and member of flying clubs in Michigan and Illinois. He also loved woodwork and general household tinkering in his basement. Bob was an active member of St. Mary’s parish in Lake Forest and St. Joseph’s in St. Joseph, MI He also was a member of Point O’ Woods Golf and Country Club in Michigan. Most recently, he was a resident at Lake Forest Place.
Bob is survived by his children: Robert (Beth), Celeste Esser, Regina Duffy (Tom) and Peter (Laura), grandchildren Catherine (Ronak), Bernadette (Jordan), Bridget, Mary, Elizabeth (Andy), Robert, Emily, Robert, Margaret and Joseph, and great grandchildren Frederick and Molly, sisters Joan (Tom) Doucette and Carol (Tom) Reid, along with many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy, sister Jeanne Dean, brother-in-law Jim Dean, brother Dr. John Claude and sister-in-law Mary. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, December 12, 2022, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lake Forest, IL at 10:00 a.m. Visitation for family and friends will be at Wenban Funeral Home on Sunday, December 11, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota (https://www.stjo.org/).
