Name: Visitation for ROBERT P. ZACHARIAS
Start: 2014-02-08T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2014-02-09T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - Robert P. Zacharias, 57, of Denver, Colorado, and formerly of Arlington Heights, was born on February 9, 1956, in Chicago, to the late Robert M. and Ruth Marie Zacharias, and passed away February 3, 2014, in Milan, Ill. He was the husband of Dianne Zacharias, nee Ingham; stepfather of Jeremy, and Lauren Shugrue; brother of Christine (Anthony) Jones, Larry Zacharias, and Laura (Ken) Rodolff; uncle of Courtney Pietrucha, Deanna Lund, Bryan (Maddie) Zacharias, and Lauren Zacharias; great uncle of Tommy and Alli. Bob was a 1974 Hersey High School graduate, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in 1978. After college, Bob served as a pilot in the United States Navy. He was a commercial pilot for over 18 years, and retired as a 757 Captain for United Airlines. Friends and family will gather Saturday, 4 to 8 pm, with a time for sharing and remembrances at 7 pm, at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Hwy., Arlington Heights, IL, 60004. Information 847-253-5423 or www.lauterburgoehler.com.

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Published by Daily Herald on Feb. 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT ZACHARIAS

Sponsored by Daily Herald.

13 Entries

David Williams

June 26, 2014

I had the fortune to fly with Zach in his early Navy days as his Flight Engineer. He was always positive, treated his crew with the utmost courtesy and respect, and earned the respect and friendship of those around him. I am tremendously saddened to hear of his passing. We'll meet again one day, Zach.

Eva Pataki

March 15, 2014

What a great and kind man the world lost. I worked with Bob at IKEA only 11 months, but I will remember him forever. He was sweet, caring and he always smiled. He loved life and people. He went way too soon. My condolences for his family. Rest in peace Bob!

Steve and Nancy Bonnington

February 11, 2014

We are so saddened at Bob's passing. Bob has been such a great friend of mine for over 34 years. My kids have grown up truly believing that "Uncle Zach" was indeed their uncle. We have been fortunate to have spent an enormous amount of time vacationing and just including each other in life's ups and downs. We were squadron mates at VP-44 and both Captains at United Airlines. Bob was such a thoughtful and generous guy. I'll miss his phone calls and texts. Memories of Bob are so plentiful that they will live on for the rest of my families lives. What a great joy it is to have had Bob in our lives. We'll miss him always.

Mark Altobelli

February 8, 2014

Whether it was golfing, going to concerts, listening to music, taking drives up to the mountains, watching movies, toiling at IKEA, conversing about religion or just having a cold, adult beverage, you would always challenge me with your personal take on the world with your spirit, wit and humor. One-of-a-kind does not paint the whole picture of you, Z. Sure, you are still a staunch Conservative (me- Liberal), Chicago Cubs fan (Minnesota Twins for me) and speedy driver (favorite quote: "I'm an excellent driver", which sometimes was a bit suspect), but I'll never hold that against you. The list can go on forever of what you brought to everyone you encountered and that is still true. You will still be cracking souls up. A favorite rock band of both of us, Sparks, wrote a song about you - "Here Comes Bob". We will stop by BOB's (Brews On Broadway) and save a seat for ya. Cheers, Z-man. I will see you again somewhere, somehow and your smile will greet me. I love you.

Kathy Widner

February 8, 2014

I was so saddened to hear of Bobs passing. We have known each other for 35 years. He made my years at Purdue very memorable. He reached out to me and my 17 year old daughter who is suffering from cancer, I am so glad we had gotten in touch again. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Barbara Keehn

February 7, 2014

I met Bob almost 3 years ago, during the build-up process at IKEA. I would see him almost daily, as he worked just across the room from me. I loved how he always had a smile on his face and a spring in his step. Nothing ever got him down, and he never had a negative thing to say. His smile always lifted my spirits, if I was having a bad day. I will miss his smile, his great spirit and his love of life. My prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Bob.

Susan Strasser Spaulding

February 7, 2014

My heartfelt condolences ...I will always remember "Zach" with a smile! He was a bright light that brought joy, caring and humor to everyone he met. May the memories of Bob help you find peace. Your family will be in my prayers.

Al Meske

February 7, 2014

You were always in my memories and now in my prayers. You will be missed, but never forgotten.

Bill Duggan

February 7, 2014

I was greatly saddened to hear about Zach. He was a great friend and terrific squadron mate in VP-44 out of Brunswick ME. We had some unbelievable adventures around the world and I will always remember him as an awesome wingman. Fair winds and following seas my friend!

Charlie (Illy) George

February 7, 2014

My heart-felt sympathy to Bob's family. I will remember him as a cheerful, fun-loving guy who loved life and family. He will be missed greatly.

Gregg Wilson

February 7, 2014

I met Bob as a junior at Hersey high school. When he told me he was a student pilot, it inspired me to start flying lessons. It changed my life and I'm very grateful that I met Bob! God bless you my friend.

Mom with Flowers Bob gave her

Marcia DeBell

February 7, 2014

Our condolences and Prayers go out to all Bob's family. Bob was a wonderful man, we have lost a very dear friend. He loved my Mom, he would always send her a hug from him and then another hug from Cinnamon as I was leaving a work shift with him at IKEA. We were never at a loss for conversation, Mom and I were also from Chicago, my Dad was in the Navy, love to travel, my kids once lived in Germany a favorite place to visit and talk about. I once had a poodle name Cinnamon, good name. Having lived on the east coast, our love of seafood and especially Haddock. Bob was just a fun and happy person to be around, a joy to have as a co-worker. He was also an awesome Realtor, helped my Mom sell her home in FL. and sold my townhouse and sold me a new home with a first floor room for Mom, no more stairs to climb for her. Mom will be 100 in Oct. 2014. She fell and broke her hip on Jan 6 at the airport on her way to see Ellen's TV show. Bob called right away, he came by to see her the last time a week before his trip to Germany, the beautiful flowers and Card he brought her are still are on the table she sits at everyday, now with tears in her eyes. He was like a son, our hearts are broken, we were lucky he was our friend if only for two and a half years. What an impact he made on our lives. We miss you Bob. We send you a "forever hug" you will never be forgotten. Marcia DeBell and Lucille Pillsbury

Jacqueline Risley

February 6, 2014

I am very saddened at the sudden loss of my friend and coworker, Bob Zacharias. He was always happy and light hearted! Rarely did I ever see Bob unhappy or negative. I truly enjoyed working with Bob and having conversations with him about whatever came up. At times he was clumsy and which on a few occasions ended in some minor injuries. Bob loved life and he had many friends. He will be greatly missed in this big world. He left his mark on this world and an indelible mark on my heart. His kindness and patience is rare. I am glad to have had the opportunity work with and get to know Bob. I will never forget his smile and his laughter. He was a bright shining light in my life. I miss you Bob now and forever Rest in Peace my friend ^i^ Jackie IKEA coworker

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