Robert F. Muchow

Robert Frank Otto “Bob” Muchow died at the age of 99 in La Crosse, WI on June 12, 2024. Bob was born on April 16, 1925, in Chicago, IL to Erhardt and Caroline Muchow. He and his older sister Ruth grew up in Chicago, where their father was Principal of Zion Lutheran Church school as well as the church organist. Bob served his country near the end of World War II as an ensign in the US Navy aboard the USS Rupertus. He attended the University of Michigan where he studied engineering. Bob had a long career as a safety engineer and supervisor with Travelers Insurance, which took him from Chicago to Perrysburg, OH and eventually Minneapolis, MN in 1971. Bob met the love of his life, Helen Knezevich, and they married in Chicago on July 29, 1950. They had two wonderful sons, Mark and Mike, and enjoyed many adventures in their 50+ years together including wintering in Florida and a fondly-remembered trip to Rome. After Helen died in 2001, Bob spent time in Wisconsin and Florida with special friend Irene Anderson, until his health issues brought him to La Crosse, WI, where his son Mike resides, to live in a nearby senior care facility. Bob made many friends at the new place, including special friends Rosemary Linzmeyer and Barb Lemon. Bob lived a good life, secure in his strong Lutheran faith – he always said he was waiting for that “tap on the shoulder” from the Lord to bring him home. He loved his wife and family, and set a good example for his sons to follow. He loved people and looked forward to meeting everyone, especially the ladies. Bob was a lifelong and passionate fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, and the Michigan Wolverines. He enjoyed traveling and golf. We’ll remember him for his humor, his faith, and his unceasing love. Bob is survived by his sons Mark (Carolyn), Michael (Catherine Ryan) von Muchow, and cherished granddaughters Rose and Madrigal von Muchow. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Dorothy Mitrius and many nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Helen, sister and brother-in-law Ruth and Gil Wilken, brothers-in-law Steve Knezevich and Marty Mitrius, special friend Barb, extended family and many friends. The family would like to thank the staff at the two Eagle Crest facilities in La Crosse for their care of Bob during his last years as well as Gundersen Hospice for their care during his last illness. Bob will be returned to Chicago to be buried next to his beloved Helen. Visitation at 9 am on Saturday June 22, at Foran Funeral Home, 7300 West Archer Ave, Summit IL; service at 11 and interment at Chapel Hill Gardens South, Oak Lawn, IL, immediately following. Foran Funeral Home (708) 458-0208

Robert F. Muchow

April 16, 1925 - June 12, 2024