Robert Edward "Bob" Auer

Robert Edward Auer

Robert Edward Auer, born February 27, 1944, in Chicago, passed away surrounded by family and friends after a long and courageous journey with Lewy body dementia.

Bob grew up in Chicago, where he developed a love for athletics, playing football and running track in high school. He earned MVP honors and set several school records, some of which remained unbeaten for years. But what mattered most to those who knew him wasn't just the records-it was the way he showed up every day. The discipline, competitiveness, and determination he developed as a young athlete became lifelong traits, carried into his family, his work, and his relationships.

He attended Marquette University and later earned his MBA from DePaul University. Bob co-founded Valtec Associates in the late 1970s, a firm focused on tax advisory and analytical consulting. At a time when computers were still new to business, the firm helped pioneer data-driven approaches that were considered cutting edge for their time.

After Valtec was sold in the late 1980s, Bob held senior roles in investment banking, including time at Duff & Phelps, before leading KPMG's M&A practice in Chicago. He later continued his work with Prairie Capital Advisors, a firm founded by a former Valtec colleague, long after he claimed to be "retired."

While he took pride in his professional life, Bob's greatest devotion was to his family. He was deeply committed to his children and grandchildren and valued time spent together above all else. He showed up-for regular dinners, milestones, school and sporting events, and countless family gatherings. Always supportive and deeply loving, he spoke of his family with pride and gratitude, celebrating their accomplishments and carrying their burdens alongside them.

He also treasured friendship and the relationships he built over a lifetime. Bob rarely turned down a lunch or dinner, enjoyed sporting events with friends and colleagues, and maintained close connections with many friends over decades.

He loved the outdoors-fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and weekends spent in Wisconsin with family and friends. He also had a lifelong enthusiasm for cars and wooden boats and enjoyed sharing time in Door County, Wisconsin, often with grandkids and close friends.

Throughout his illness, Bob was surrounded by friends and family whose care, visits, and loyalty kept him engaged and connected. His family stood by him throughout his journey, and they are deeply grateful for all who remained present in his life, especially the caregivers who became, in every sense, part of the family.

Bob will be remembered for his intellect, quiet humor, and dry wit-often expressed through perfectly timed one-liners-and for his steady devotion to the people he loved. Even as his illness progressed, his warmth and presence endured.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shirley.

He is survived by his children, Steve (Beth Covington) Auer and Elizabeth (Mike) Bergstrom; his grandchildren, Nick, Lauren, Madilyn, and Olivia; and his sisters, Elizabeth Auer of Chicago and Judith Auer and her husband, George Lawrence, of Boulder, Colorado.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on March 15, 2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the Birchstone, 200 Barclay Blvd., Lincolnshire, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Equestrian Connection in Lake Forest, where Bob rode and generously supported their mission.

https://equestrianconnection.org/donate