Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Waldmire Obituary
ROCHESTER - Robert "Bob" Waldmire, 64, a resident of Route 66, died at his family's home in Rochester, on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2009.
Bob was born April 19, 1945, in St. Louis to Edwin and Virginal Waldmire; they preceded him in death. He grew up in Springfield and Rochester.
He graduated from Rochester High School, attended SCI, SIU Carbondale, and ASU. He began a lifelong career as a traveling artist, drawing collage birds-eye view calendar maps. In the late 80s Bob began focusing his efforts and talents on documenting and preserving Old Route 66 from Chicago to San Bernardino. His meticulous artwork recreates much of the old highway as it used to be and continues to stimulate renewed interest in this national historic landmark.
He is survived by a son, Jim Graham; two grandchildren, Mia and Parker, of Springfield; brothers, Bill (Arlene) and Buz of Rochester, Jeff (Carol) of Jacksonville and Tom of Springfield; sister-in-law, Sue Waldmire of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, from noon to 2 p.m. at Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester, with celebration of life services beginning at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Robert Waldmire Memorial Trust at the Rochester State Bank, Rochester, Illinois 62563.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Waldmire
Vladimir Lenin
March 30, 2025
He loved Reeses Peanut Butter Cups. I took him a bag, but he refused to eat them. He was a steadfast vegan. I wonder if he ever finished his gold fish pond.
January 10, 2010
Greetings Bob,
Although our paths haven't crossed since 1994 I've always considered you my friend. I imagine they've got a Route 66 wherever you are.
Keep smiling,
Todd Milano
woodsy niles
January 8, 2010
I was watching a pbs special about hotdogs, heard the Waldmire name in the segment about Cozy's, and remembered meeting a remarkable artist by that name at his Route 66 museum in Arizona. His passing is sad news. I thought he was cool as hell, a principled and gifted person.
Myrtle "tootsie" Booher
January 6, 2010
My Mother and sister both worked for Bob's parents at the Cozy Dog. I babysat the boys when Jeff was a baby.e would take walks around the block. Buz, I hope you still like dill pickles,you ask Mom for them every time you came to work with your Mom or Dad.
I am sure Bob will be sadly missed by all who new him; what a talented man.Bob lived a life that not many people would understand."He Did It His Way" How beautiful!!
I would not have known about Bob and his article in the paper had it not been for my younger sister, Kathy Atkins.
Our prayers are with your family,just think how wonderful it is that he is home with two other beautiful people. I think of ED.and Jenny often.
You will remember me as Tootsie Merritt,Mom, Dorothy and sister Dottie.
Bob and Suzi Venners
January 1, 2010
Bob was one of the joys of our retirement years in the SW. We visited him many times at his "outpost" near Portal and learned so much from him. His artwork can be found everywhere in our home in Michigan. What a wonderful, original, unique and dedicated individual. Thank you for your friendship amigo.
p.s. Bill, thanks for sending us his obit. We appreciate that very much.
Kenji Ozawa
December 30, 2009
My sympathies to the all bob's family and friends.
And Thank you Bill for sending the mail.
I met him about 20years ago. when he was in Hackberry, AZ.
I sent and receive the holiday cards every year. but not in this year...
I miss Bob so much.
R.I.P. Bob.
Bob Walton
December 28, 2009
Bob Waldmire
Bob was loved by lots of people down here in Portal where in addition to his artistic talent he was known and greatly respected as a man who lived according to his principles. My relationship with Bob was as a result of the time we spent together inside the Portal Cafe where we would share our memories, our knowledge and philosophy on life. What a joy it has been to have known a man of Bob's caliber. He taught me more than I can ever express. I will miss him very much.
Debbie Downing Shepherd
December 23, 2009
I met Bob when I was 18 years old and we kept a long distance relationship going via the USPS all these 36 years since. I was lucky enough to draw on several of his early posters and have quite a collection of his drawings along with his old letters. I cherish them but what I cherish even more is that I knew him and in the early years when I lived at Cardinal Hill we spent time together talking - visiting - laying out on the dock at the old pond. I will keep Bob in my heart until we meet again. Bill and Arlene I am sorry I will not be in Springfield as planned over the holidays - just wanted to let you know since I wrote that I would be in town in a letter I sent Bob the end of November. Love to you and your family.
Steve Rider
December 19, 2009
I can scarcely go into a room in my house without finding something created by Bob. He was a very special person whose very life was an artistic masterpiece, and his legacy will endure for generations. So long, friend.
Ron Turner
December 19, 2009
My sympathies to the Waldmire family on the loss of Bob.
I met and visited with Bob a number of times over the last 10-15 years. I believe I talked to him once at Cardinal Hill, once or twice at Cozy dog and at Denny's, and a few times at the Route 66 Festival downtown. He was always very interesting to visit with.
I admire and appreciate all his efforts to preserve Route 66 history all along the route.
Best Wishes to all of you,
Ron Turner
December 19, 2009
I was very honored to meet Bob and take care of him during his last month. He suprised and delighted me everyday. He was very lucky to have such a loving family and I am sure he will be missed greatly.
R.
Mike Haney
December 19, 2009
So sad to hear about Bob. We met him in the late 70s and he drew a picture for us with a little spot that shows our house.
He will be missed.
The Haneys,
Mike, Sharon, Chip and Amanda
Kent Hill
December 19, 2009
Bob was a real icon. My late wife and I would run into him and she was always impressed with his friendliness and his devotion to his beliefs. Bob never sold out and was a true original. My deepest sympathy to his family and his many friends.
Rich and rest
December 19, 2009
He is a child of Route 66. Like the rest that have gone before him, they will now all be back together, as we ourselves, will one day with them. Many blessed memories of Bob
Virginia Sayles
December 18, 2009
December 18, 2009
I recall from years ago the sight of Bob walking barefoot south on 5th St. playing his flute. He lived life on his own terms and typified "freedom".
I will miss him.
Virginia
December 18, 2009
I did not know Bob, however, I really enjoyed reading the article about him in the SJR. What a super man!
RIP Bob!
~Illinois
Swa Frantzen
December 18, 2009
I'll miss you tremendously my friend.
kathryn and darren Sloan
December 18, 2009
so sad to hear that Bob had passed away. We were lucky enough to meet Bob on our Route 66 trips, and most recently in September when we ran into him in his mustang at the Cozy Dog. He and Darren could talk mustangs for ages .. and they did. He had such a generous spirit and gorgeous soul. He will be missed, but never forgotten, by many.
~Kathryn and Darren~
Sydney Australia
George Higgins
December 18, 2009
I Meet Bob Three Years Ago It was Like Meeting A legend. I Have Read So Much About Him And Seen So Many Of His Paintings And To Finally See Him In Person And Talk For A while Was Great. He Will Always Be Remembered.
Bob Swengrosh
December 18, 2009
I had always heard about Bob along the Mother Road, in fact I purchased some of his work. I was so glad to attend the Last Art Show at the Cozy Dog, I have a picture of Jerry McClanahan sitting next to Bob at the show. My prays will be with the family. As Bob would have said, See You Down The Road.
Karen Goatley-Brockman
December 18, 2009
To the Waldmire Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May your memories sustain you.
Bill
December 18, 2009
When we were in junior high in Springfield, some of us would go over to Bob's house, but I would never get off the basement stairs.
Bob kept live snakes in the basement!
We met up again for a while going to SIU in Carbondale. Later, when I owned a business in Carbondale, I bought an ad in a Carbondale map he drew. I still cherish that map.
After graduating, I moved on from Carbondale with my life, but when visiting Springfield, would get a cozy dog.
As life went on, I would bring my children to cozy dog. On several occastions, Bob was there.
My children always felt they were in the presence of a celerity - any they were.
Maybe our paths with cross again on another route,
Bill
Barbara Heintzelman
December 18, 2009
I have Bob's Illinois poster and remember him from when my sister, Debbie, used to live near Cardinal Hill. In my journies along Route 66, it was always so awesome to see his work and posters in shops. Sending you love and light.
Rick & Becky Hargett
December 18, 2009
May we all use Bob as an example of caring for each other & our environment. The Route will miss him.
December 18, 2009
To All the Waldmire Family,
Our thoughts are with you at this hard time. Bob was a ture friend to all he meet. I am proud to have know him. He always made us feel welcome. We will miss him. He was one of a kind. He did it his way.
Gary & Elaine Reynolds
Muskegon, MI
Steve Jones
December 18, 2009
I first met Bob in Springfield schools where we shared a love of nature and a real appreciation for snakes. Our paths crossed and re-crossed over the years and I also got to know bothers Bill and Buz and their dad and Cardinal Hill a little. Bob might not have appreciated it, but after hearing the story of the VW bus in "Cars", my daughter gave me one of the Disney toys - the package had been carefully opened and resealed to look like new with its proper name on the front - "Waldmire". Its home is above my desk, next to a picture of my daughter and a beautiful fossilized fish that I know Bob would have found interesting and beautiful. I just spent some time yesterday marveling anew at the poster map of Illinois Bob did in the early 80s. The little VW and the poster will conintue to be lifelong reminders of an old friend and a national treasure. And, yes, Bob, the poster is worth far more than the paper it's printed on. I wish I could be there on Sunday.
John Chapman
December 18, 2009
To the Waldmire families
It was a honor to finally met a great man. That and learn alot about Route 66 . I really enjoyed our visits we had with each other.I was so amazed looking at his art work.He going be greatfully missed but their never going be a person like Bob.
God Bless all of you guys.
John Emerick
December 18, 2009
Bob was my hero, and his council meant a lot to me. When I was with Bob he made me feel a little more free... Good bye old friend, the world will miss you...
Julie
December 18, 2009
I never knew Bob.. but read the article on him a few months back. I loved how he lived.. My thoughts are with you...
December 18, 2009
So many memories - Bob and his snakes, his artwork, his incredible love of nature and his commitment to Rt. 66.
Even the food he ate and the way he lived representated the steadfast dedication of a man true to himself and his beliefs. Well done my friend.....well done!
phyllis nevins dietel
Christine Starrett
December 18, 2009
Bob was a wonderful person and a very talented artist. He will be greatly missed by everyone his life has touched.
Jim Van Houten
December 18, 2009
The Earth has lost another great and loving friend,Bob was a one of a kind.
I was fourtunate to have been part of Bob's life.We swam in his parents pond as high school kids and years later we had lots of conversations at the Volkswagen dealership I worked at, when he came in for service or parts for his "hippy van" Bob will be missed by all those that knew and loved him.
Kim
December 18, 2009
I am sorry for your loss, I didn't know Mr. Walmire but what an impact he has made on many like myself who had never met this gentleman. God Bless!
December 18, 2009
Bill and Arlene:
Sorry to here about your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Larry Molohon, Springfield
Tammy Brown
December 18, 2009
Bob's life truly was a 'celebration of life' wasn't it? His loss is felt and mourned by people, like myself, who never got to meet him.
CARMEN LUCZAK
December 18, 2009
I DIDNT KNOW OR EVER HEAR OF MR. WALDMIRE UNTIL I READ RECENT ARTICLES IN THE STATE JOURNA REGISTER AND ILLINOIS TIMES. I AM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF SUCH A CREATIVE GENIUS.
Brownie Sudduth
December 18, 2009
Sorry to hear of the loss of Bob. I will always remember him as my biggest chalenge on the ping pong table during gym class and also the guy I smacked across the knuckles for trying to steel one of my cookies at linch in good old Rochester high School days. A wonderful one of a kind person.
Brownie Sudduth
Don Hawkshaw
December 18, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Waldmire's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Waldmire
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Waldmire'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
