Robert "Bob" Ladd

CRYSTAL LAKE – Robert "Bob" Ladd, 68, of Crystal Lake, died unexpectedly Friday, May 27, 2011, at his home.

He was born Oct. 18, 1942, in Chicago, to John and Helen Ladd.

He married Joanna (DeBeer) Ladd on Jan. 27, 1968, in Evanston, at Howe Memorial Chapel on the campus of Northwestern University.

He graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School in 1960. He was very involved as a class officer, the golf team and the baseball team, where he pitched a no-hitter. Much to his chagrin, he also was forced to dance the minuet – white wig and all – his senior year.

He then went to Northwestern University in Evanston. He was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. He left his senior year and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of first lieutenant. He served a year in Vietnam and was there for the Tet Offensive in 1968. Upon the completion of service he re-entered the academic world at Northwestern and received a degree in journalism from the School of Medill in 1965.

His business background began in Niles with Victor Golf. He prepared and wrote their merchandise catalogs that went out to golf pros nationwide. He went on to join a leading advertising agency in Chicago, Marsteller Inc. In 1978, he joined the advertising agency his father founded, Ladd/Wells, 30 years before.

Moving to Crystal Lake in 1970, he became an involved member of the community. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, served on several committees and ushered. He worked on several District 47 referendums. He served on the NIMC Board and had a membership on the Centegra Foundation Board. He was a centennial member of the Union League Club of Chicago, served on the McHenry County Conservation Board, and was a member of the Crystal Lake Country Club, where he achieved in 1995 every golfer's dream, a hole-in-one. Most importantly, he coached and was active in his children's sports teams.

He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Joanna; a son, Andrew Ladd of Crystal Lake; and his sisters-in-law, Jeanne DeBeer of Chicago and Vanessa DeBeer of Louisville, Ky. He was a loving uncle to Jeff, Greg and David DeBeer, all of Louisville, Joseph Ladd of San Francisco and Alexandra Ladd-Graeser and Jessica Ladd of New Mexico, Derek Gilmore of Denver and Genevra DeBeer Knight of Chicago. He also is survived by eight great-nieces and great-nephews; and his cousins, Susie Calderwood, Margie Lambert and Bob Lash.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter; his beloved daughter, Samantha Blair Ladd; his sister, Sandra Ladd Gilmore; and his brothers-in-law, Peter and Paul DeBeer.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at First United Methodist Church, 236 W. Crystal Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, 815-459-0785.

Memorials in his name may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Attn: Donor Services, Wounded Warrior Project, 720 AC Skinner Pkwy, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32256-6938; the St. Jude Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142; or to the Robert V. Ladd family.

For information, call Davenport Family Funeral Home at 815-459-3411. For online condolences, visit www.davenportfamily.com.