Robert Anthony Aleksiunas

1932 - 2020

On Sunday, 29 November 2020,  Lt.Col Robert Anthony Aleksiunas, U.S. Army (retired), passed away.

Robert a 30 year veteran, was born 17 May 1932, in Kaunas, Lithuania to the late Kostas and late Zofia (nee Dobuzinskas) Aleksiunas.  The family of five fled home to escape the occupying Russian Army in WWII, spent time in displaced persons camps, and arrived in the United States in 1949 - settling initially in Waterbury, CT.  Here Robert graduated from Crosby High School. Eventually the family relocated to Chicago, IL.

Drafted during the Korean War and expecting to be sent there after basic training at Ft. Dix, Robert was instead sent to Germany, likely due to his linguist skills in five languages. He fondly recalled honing his boxing skills during his enlisted time there. Upon return, he enrolled at the University of Illinois.  Upon graduating and now a commissioned officer, his assignments would take him all over the world to places including Greenland, Panama, Ethiopia, Europe and basically all 50 States.  Captain Aleksiunas commanded a battery in Vietnam in 1965-66 with the "Big Red One, " First Infantry Division,  where he earned the respect of many a soldier.  In 1968it was back to Germany, This time with his wife and two children.  he served a second tour in Vietnam,  followed by assignments throughout the country, and a final posting in Germany.  Upon retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel, he settled in Waldorf, Germany for many years.

In addition to travel he enjoyed tennis, fitness, attending festivals with friends, many types of music (including "real" country) and enthusiastically attended annual reunions of the "Big Red One" , where he bonded with his military brethren. 

Hit with the effects of Agent Orange, he returned to Illinois in 2020 for reasons of health and family.  He retained his considerable sense of humor until the end, and leaves behind treasured family and friends throughout the world. 

Beloved father of Raymond (Michelle) Aleksiunas, and Linda (William) Mc Conaughy; adored Grandfather of Michael, Maria, and Meghan Mc Conaughy, and Emma Aleksiunas; dearest brother of Julia Danta of Exton, PA, and Algird Aleksiunas of Pickerington, OH; former spouse of Regina (nee Lukauskas) Aleksiunas

Donations in Robert's memory can be made to:  Society of the 1st Infantry Division    https://www.1stid.org/ 

Click on foundation tab, then foundation donations

A committal service & Burial will take place on Monday, 7 December 2020, at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.  Only 10 people are allowed for the Committal service.

Because of this and Covid19 the family plans to hold a graveside service, with full military honors at a date to be determined later.