Robert J. Neuneker

Celebration of the Life of Robert J. Neuneker

Robert J. Neuneker was a vocational teacher and guidance counselor at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, IL, where he missed only three days of work in thirty-seven years. His recent death at age eighty-three resulted from the ravages of Parkinson's disease.

Robert's father, also Robert J. Neuneker, was a decorated WWI German infantry war veteran and came to the U.S. in 1920 through Ellis Island. Two years later he sent for his fiancée, Rose Marie Schöeninger; they married and settled in Macomb, IL. Robert supported his four children with his tool and die making skills. Rose Marie was a housewife who contributed to St. Paul Parish with her beautiful singing voice. They were especially hard working, devoted to church and family, and took a special interest in the freedoms and philosophies of the U.S. Constitution.

Robert J. Neuneker was the oldest of the children. He served in the Army Engineer Corps after WWII. He graduated from Western Illinois University and married Lorna Campbell from Stronghurst, IL, in 1950. Both attended Ball State University, earning master's degrees in education in 1955. Robert's work as a vocational teacher and subsequent counselor allowed him to emphasize the importance of choosing a career at a very early stage in life. One of his proudest achievements was initiating Career Day, an annual event in which many business, industry and community leaders from the Chicago area spoke to students at Lyons Township High School about a multitude of career choices.

Robert's 50 year residency in LaGrange was highlighted by community service. He was a member and took leadership roles in the LaGrange Kiwanis, Park District, Little League, YMCA and Police and Fire Boards. He also served on the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission. Robert was a member of the Hinsdale Unitarian Church. He was also a recipient of the Humanitarian Service Award from the local NAACP chapter. Robert worked energetically on issues such as civil rights, fair housing and equal opportunity in employment for many years.

Robert's recreational interests included gardening, tent camping in all the lower forty-eight states and foreign travel to forty different countries. He loved the Cubs, Bears, Bulls and any sport or activity his children or grandchildren were involved with.

Robert is survived by his wife, Lorna; daughter, Rona N. James, and her spouse, Larry W. James, MD; and sons Devin and Brant Neuneker, along with Brant's spouse, Alisa. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Myles, Rachel, Zach and Emma Neuneker; and three siblings, Rose Ritter, Ruth Smith and Max Neuneker. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale located at 17 W. Maple on June 18 at 11:00 am. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in Chicago.

Neither the choice of his friends, nor that of the dishes, was made by vanity; for in everything he preferred the substance to the shadow; and by these means he procured that real respect to which he did not aspire.
-Voltaire