Robert Paul "Bob" Butkus

Robert Paul "Bob" Butkus, 72, of North Aurora and previously a long time resident of Waukegan, passed away on Monday, May 2nd, 2022, at the Manteno Veterans' Home in Manteno, Illinois.

He was born in Kenosha, WI, on March 26th, 1950.

Bob graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1968; later, he earned a degree in horticulture from the College of Lake County and graduated cum laude from Benedictine University. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971, during which he was stationed in Korea. Bob managed stores for A & P, Best Value Foods and Cub Foods, among others, before retiring from Fresh Market in Lexington, KY in 2012 after 47 years in the grocery business. He was proud of never having missed a day of work.

A lover of animals, he and his wife Robin rescued dogs beginning in 2012 with Paws of Dale Hollow in Byrdstown, TN. Later they worked with the United Yorkie Rescue, then fostered dogs in Florida from the Alaqua Animal Refuge. Manys dogs owe their lives to the work that Bob and Robin did. Bob was also the original owner of Au Naturel Dog Spa in North Aurora.

In his younger days, he was interested in architecture and photography. Those who loved him will always remember his sharp sense of humor, his intelligence and his skill at making a perfect kugele.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Hilda. He is survived by loving spouse Robin Davidson, his three sons Robert Jr., Ryan and Nicholas (Jamie) Butkus, step-children Ryan Davidson and Alyssa (Raj) Kamruddin, step-grandchildren Carson and Kellan, and sister Donna Andler.

Cremation will be followed by burial at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetary In Elwood, IL. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future time.

Donations in Bob's honor can be made to Paws of Dale Hollow at http://www.pawsofdalehollow.org.