Robert Tangen Obituary
Robert was the husband of Jina Tangen; father of Roxanna (Andrew) Hayes and Kristen (Brett) Klitz; grandfather of Esther Hayes, Isla Hayes, Rowan Hayes and Arianna Klitz; and brother of Michael (Deanna) Tangen.
Naturally charismatic and outgoing, Robert made a living as a salesman. His career spanned sales of sportswear and office supplies in the Chicagoland area to military grade building components in Virginia. Robert also spent time as a volunteer firefighter for the Fox River Grove Fire Department and trained as an emergency medical technician. Robert was a sports enthusiast and devoted fan of the Chicago Bears, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks and Manchester United Football Club. He was also a cinephile and theater buff, and an ardent lover of cooking, golf, slapstick comedy, gardening and his beloved Labrador Retrievers, Butch and Spike. With his sense of humor and warm personality, Robert will be greatly missed not only by his immediate family, but his extended network of in-laws, nieces, nephews, neighbors, colleagues and many friends.
There will be no service, as the family wishes to honor Robert's memory privately. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care.
Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, IL, was entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
Jamie Grafer
January 29, 2026
Our wonderful trip with the Tangen family to Florida. Rob´s mom and dad opened their home to us.
We all had such an amazing time together. It seems like yesterday.
Love,
Jamie
Jamie Grafer
January 29, 2026
More pictures to honor Rob´s life along with his beautiful family.
Love,
Jamie
Jamie Grafer
January 28, 2026
Jamie Grafer
January 28, 2026
I met the beautiful Jina Tangen when I interviewed for a sales position at Thornton´ English Chocolate Shoppe. We became very good friends.
I met Rob next. He had such energy and enthusiasm about him. He was always full of stories to tell. I instantly became part of Rob and Jina´s lives.
Roxanna is the first born to Rob and Jina. Then came Kristen. I fell in love with my Roxanna and Kristen.
When I met Sean, the man of my life. Jina and Rob opened their hearts to him.
Sean and I had our baby, Shannon in 1996. The Tangen family opened their loving hearts to our little Shannon.
We all have wonderful memories of our time together. We are saddened by the loss of our dear Rob. My heart breaks for for Jina, Roxanna and Kristen´s families.
I will always see the healthy, happy, tan Rob on the beach, a dog by his side, flipping burgers on the grill, watching his beloved Chicago sports teams and enthralled with his war movies.
Sean, Shannon and I have so many wonderful memories to keep in hearts.
We just love you so much that I wish we could take some of your pain and sadness away.
Love,
Jamie, Sean and Shannon
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Karla Christianson
January 24, 2026
Dearest Jina, Roxanna, and Kristen
I just heard today about Rob´s passing, and I am so very sorry for your loss. I have the most wonderful memories of living next door to you, and will be forever grateful for having known Rob. I hope time will heal your hearts, and the sadness be replaced by the memories you have of Rob. Sending you my deepest condolences and love.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
44 South Mill Street, Naperville, IL 60540
Make a Donation
in Robert Tangen's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Tangen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
