Robert Edward "Eye" Imborek

1946 - 2025

Robert Edward Imborek "Robert EYE"

Jul 5, 1946 - Sep 29, 2025

Robert "Eye", a lifelong public servant, veteran, and champion for law enforcement labor rights, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025 in Davenport, lowa, formerly of Schererville, IN, with loving family by his side. Born in East Chicago, Indiana, Bob devoted his life to service-to his family, his country, his community, and his fellow officers.

He is survived by his wife, Robie Imborek (McFarland); daughter, Katie (Kate Klefstad) Imborek; son, Josh (Natalie) Imborek; grandchildren, Portia Klefstad, Brooks Klefstad, Parker Boback, Will Boback, Shepard Imborek, and Scarlett Imborek; brothers-in-law, Randy (Tracey) McFarland and Ron (Jackie) McFarland; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Kovach) and Edward Imborek; his sister, Pat (Imborek) Baker; brother-in-law, Edward Baker; and father-in-law and dear friend, Jim Baum.

Bob grew up in "The Harbor" before moving with his family to Hessville, Indiana, where he attended Our Lady of Perpetual Hope (OLPH) and graduated from Morton High School. A three-sport athlete, he carried his love of sports into adulthood-playing softball in the service and on FOP teams, coaching his daughter and son's Little League teams, and faithfully cheering for the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. After high school, he worked at Inland Steel before enlisting in the United States Air Force, serving proudly from 1966 to 1970, including an 18-month deployment to Guam and Vietnam.

Following his military service, Bob began a distinguished career in law enforcement. He joined the Hammond, Indiana Police Department and rose through the ranks, serving as a patrolman, corporal, motorcycle officer, sergeant in personnel and training-where he spearheaded the implementation of the Field Training Officers (FTO) program-captain of the patrol division, and ultimately Chief of Police in 1993, commanding a department of more than 200 officers. Over the course of 24 years with the Hammond Police Department, he earned the respect of his peers for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication. Following his retirement from the Hammond Police Department, he served 12 years as Chief Intelligence Analyst for the Lake County Drug Task Force, retiring in 2007.

Bob's leadership extended beyond his formal employment through decades of service dedicated to the profession of law enforcement. He was an active member of Hammond FOP Lodge #51, where he served 19 years as treasurer and one year as president. In 1977, he was a charter member and driving force in the creation of the Hammond Police Employees Federal Credit Union (now Great Horizons Federal Credit Union). He played a key role in the Indiana FOP Labor Council, advocating for fair contracts, benefits, and services for officers across the state. Nationally, he represented Indiana as FOP National Trustee for 28 years and was instrumental in the creation of the FOP Legal Defense Plan, serving as Chair of its Board of Trustees for 15 years. His lifelong commitment to fairness and officer advocacy was honored by the Indiana FOP in the establishment of the Robert "Eye" Imborek Award for Labor Relations.

Bob was also an active member of the Hammond Optimist Club for over two decades, serving in the role of treasurer for nine years.

Bob lived a full and purpose-driven life. He was a loyal friend, a steadfast husband, and a proud father and grandfather. He showed his love for his family in practical ways-fixing faucets, upgrading light fixtures, or taking one of his children's cars for a needed oil change. He loved being the go to "handyman" for the kids on his frequent visits to lowa to see them. He was an avid fisherman - casting for walleye, crappie, and perch from his beloved Boston Whaler on the Willow Flowage in Wisconsin and Lake Maxinkuckee in Culver, Indiana, and taking memorable fishing trips with friends to Lake Erie and Lake Huron. Some of his happiest times were summer weekends at the lake in Culver and winters spent with Robie in Naples, Florida, where they welcomed visits from family and friends for 14 years.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, his colleagues in law enforcement, and the members of the Fraternal Order of Police who knew him as both a leader and a friend.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 2:00-7:00pm with a prayer vigil at 6:00pm followed by the FOP memorial service at 6:30pm at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Road (one block south of Ridge Rd), Highland, IN.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 beginning with visitation at 9:00am followed by funeral service at 10:00am with Deacon Duane Dedelow officiating at Hillside Funeral Home.

Interment services will follow at Concordia Cemetery, 6551 Calumet Ave., Hammond, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to (C.O.P.S) Concerns of Police Survivors, The Wounded Warrior Project, or the charity or organization of your choice.

For further information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home, Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling 219-838-0800 or visiting us at hillsidefhcares.com.