Robert M. "Bob" Daum

Robert M. "Bob" Daum, 69, of La Porte, Indiana, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Aug. 26, 2025, after a courageous eight-year journey with cholangiocarcinoma.

Bob lived a life full of curiosity, kindness and adventure. For more than 35 years, his favorite adventure partner was his wife, Diane. Together, they crisscrossed the country exploring National Parks, hiking trails and backroads – always with Bob's camera in hand and a story (or question!) ready to share.

He was a proud dad to Kevin (Liz) Daum of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and Rose (John) DiTillo of South Bend, Indiana, whom he shared with their mother, Mary Anne Kryscio; and a loving "bonus dad" to Chris Schaefer of Michigan City, Indiana, Rachel (Jason Drake) Schaefer of St. Cloud, Florida, and most recently, Danny Frazier of Hebron, Indiana. His greatest joy was being Grandpa Bob to Eliana and Jubilee Daum and Joe and Nora DiTillo, who always knew him as a loving, thoughtful presence who was quick to ask questions and offer support, encouragement, a joke and his love of nature.

The middle child of 11, Bob grew up in a bustling, loving household in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and is survived by his siblings, Don "Murph" (Diane), Rich (Sheila), Dave (Lee), Tom (Molly), Jim (Suellen), Mary (Tom) Knight, Phil (Patty), John (Mary), Tim (Laurie) and Julie (Pat) Hynes; and a big extended family of nieces, nephews and in-laws who cherished his warmth and humor.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Joan (née Roethel) Daum.

Bob dedicated more than 36 years of his career to the National Park Service, where his work at the Indiana Dunes, Big South Fork and Cumberland Island left a lasting impact. Even after retirement in 2015, his devotion to nature never slowed – he kept exploring, photographing and sharing the beauty he found outdoors.

When diagnosed with cancer in 2017, Bob approached it with the same determination and curiosity that guided his life. He researched tirelessly, sought out new treatments, and mentored others facing the same disease, becoming a source of hope and wisdom to many.

Bob will be remembered for his generosity, his gentle spirit, his boundless interests, and his way of making people feel truly seen and loved.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025, at the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana, with a visitation from 10 a.m. till service time.

In lieu of flowers, Bob's family invites you to honor his life by enjoying a hike outdoors or by supporting a cause he cared deeply about – the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, the Shirley Heinze Land Trust or The Nature Conservancy.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, curiosity and adventure, and will be forever missed by all who were blessed to know him.

To sign a guestbook and leave condolences online, please visit www. otthaverstock.com.