Robert Alphonse "Bob" Girdwain

Robert "Bob" Alphonse Girdwain, of St. Charles, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2026, at his home after a courageous six-year journey with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family. He was 74 years old.

Bob was born in the Marquette Park neighborhood of Chicago to Alphonse and Bernice (Okunis) Girdwain. His father was a WWII Army Veteran from the 41st Infantry Sunset Division, Co. 162; his mother immigrated from rural Lithuania to the United States as a child. These acts of bravery and sacrifice instilled the same in him, as well a deep respect to his country and heritage.

A natural storyteller, Bob often shared treasured memories of his childhood adventures, painting a scene of the scrappy freedom of being a city kid in the 1950s and 60s. He built model airplanes, rode bikes around town with friends, spent time with his trusty dog Spotty played pick-up baseball games in the alleys, and helped take care of his dad's tavern.

After meeting in high school and attending the prom together, Bob married the love of his life, Carol Ann Kamba, at St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church. Throughout their more than 51 years of marriage, they built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife Carol, his two daughters, Jessica (Chris) Migala and Alyssa Girdwain; his cherished grandsons, Duncan and Avery Migala; his sister, Theresa Girdwain; his father-in-law, Lawrence Kamba; sisters-in-law, Laurene (Mark) Oie and Dawn Hackney; along with one niece and four nephews.

Bob attended Lewis College to study aircraft mechanics and was a proud member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. Affectionately known to the brotherhood as "Girdy," he maintained lifelong friendships. After graduation, Bob worked for Xerox Corporation for 29 years, beginning as a technician before advancing

into management. Following his time at Xerox, Bob worked across several industries and took great pride in working with a team to solve complex problems.

Outside of work, Bob had many hobbies. He was a woodworker and crafted tables, custom trim, and built-ins for his home. He loved preparing dinner for his wife and family, creating his own meals and cooking recipes from The Berghoff and Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat. He was an avid non-fiction reader who frequented the history stacks at the library. In his free time, he listened to his curated collection of jazz, rock, and folk records and watched classic movies. He enjoyed film photography and drawing, and, in his later years,

built an easel and taught himself to oil paint. For as much as he enjoyed his creative process, Bob loved sharing his art with loved ones.

Bob and Carol lived in their St. Charles home for over 37 years, where he grew deeply connected to his community. He loved taking walks with his wife and daughters' dogs, Millie, Bingham, and Ana, and appreciated the simple blessings of everyday life. He was a fun, silly, and loving grandpa, bringing his

imagination, humor and wisdom to every playtime.

A devoted Catholic, Bob was a faithful member of St. Patrick Parish and a proud member of the Knights of Columbus for 25 years. His faith guided him throughout his life and was a source of strength and comfort, especially during his illness. His piety inspired others to explore their own spirituality and relationship with God.

Bob will be remembered for being kindhearted, sentimental, and hardworking. Just as he has kept the memory of late loved ones alive by sharing their stories and memories with them, his legacy will similarly endure in the lives he touched.

A funeral mass will be celebrated 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Downtown, 400 Cedar Street St. Charles, IL. The family will receive guests for visitation from 9:30 A.M. until the time of the mass. A private interment will be held at Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton.

Donations in Bob's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Mercy Home for Boys and Girls.