Robert C. Fresen

Just a note to express my sympathy on the loss of this friend, husband, father, grandfather and all-around fine man.



My family's first contact with the Fresen clan was through the Boy Scouts, specifically Troop 5 in Wilmette. It was there we learned what it took to become men with all the natural bumps along the way. My life is immeasurably better for having had Bob Fresen in it. It was Bob Fresen with his relentless cheerfulness and his consistent good example that made a positive difference in my life. Bob Fresen and my father (who passed away a couple of years back) made up the 2 main "Bob's" on the Troop committee and in my humble opinion you will never meet two finer men.



My hope is that we can continue to measure up to the examples they set and most of all to honor their memory as we continue our journey. Bob, you will be missed but you will be with us always.

Robert C. Fresen



Bob and Muffy married on September 17, 1949, or so I am told. I wasn’t there, so I’ve just taken their word for it all these years. But, I mention it today, of all days, because it is impossible to celebrate my father’s life by just talking about “Bob,” when, in fact, an inseparable part of “who” my Dad was and “how” he lived his life was his love, joy, pride, respect, and care for our mother Muffy. My father’s life is best understood by knowing that it was always “Bob and Muffy,” never just “Bob.” “Bob and Muffy” was the focus of his faith, his family, his large circle of wonderful friends, his work in the business world and his gift of countless hours to his community and his fellow man. My Dad’s greatest legacy to us boys is how he taught us, by his words, his deeds, and his many unspoken examples, to live our lives as good husbands, good fathers and good men in our communities. From our perspective, then as children and now as adults, there was no “Bob,” just a “Bob and Muffy.” We got your message, Dad. We are trying to live up to your standards and your philosophy: Keep a Positive Mental Attitude! Thanks.

Dad was 84 when he passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, May 1, 2005. He was a Wilmette resident for over 40 years. He attended Riley High School in South Bend, IN, caddied at the local course, played on the golf, baseball and basketball teams. Dad’s 1940 Basketball Team reached the Sweet Sixteen (BIG DEAL in Hoosier B-Ball). He attended Indiana University and was an avid Hoosier fan. Also, Diehard Cub Fan (sure wanted 2003 to be a World Series for him). Little League Baseball coach where, as my brother reminds me, he coached Bill Murray and Charlie Trotter among the other mighty ball players of Roemer Park. Active with the Republican party (do you remember Don Rumsfeld at age 30 and US Senator Chuck Percy?) and as an Election Judge. Many other things.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret P. "Muffy" Fresen; sons, Robert A. (Vicki) of Green Bay, WI, Gary W. (Bunny) of Glenview, IL, Wayne W. (Betsy) of Buffalo Grove, IL and Phillip (Kathleen) of Short Hills, NJ; grandchildren, Andrea, Adam, Sean, Sarah, Breck, Bethany, Erika, Robert J. and Andrew; sisters, Thelma “Tuti” Arquilla of Flossmoor, IL and the late Ruth Bergquist. His parents were Frederick and Beatrice “Babe” Fresen. His Family came from Kingdom of Hannover in 1850s.

My Father, Bob Fresen, lived a good life and a long life and our family will honor and celebrate that life this Saturday at the First Presbyterian Church of Wimette. I would like to express my great appreciation to those who helped care for him in the last years of his life. First, to my Mother, Muffy, who dedicated countless hours, months & years to his care, and, also, to the staffs of the Abington Nursing Home Glenview and the Care Center of the Classic Residence by Hyatt at the Glen who provided many hours of nursing care to Dad in his final months. And I would also like to send out a special "Thank You" to the "Potluck Group" for giving him a birthday party this past January 26. Thank you all. God bless you all.