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Eastern Illinois University Millikin University

Roberta Ortegren Obituary

Roberta "Bobbi" Ortegren
Rosewood Heights - Bobbi Ortegren, age 77, of Rosewood Heights, passed away at her home after a battle with cancer. Bobbi was born in Oak Park, IL, the daughter of Dr. Robert and Thelma Elwell and grew up in Oakland, IL. She cherished having been raised in such a small, close-knit community and often shared fond stories of her childhood there. Bobbi graduated from Millikin University in Decatur, IL in 1969 with a degree in History and worked as an elementary school teacher while earning a Masters Degree in Counseling from Eastern Illinois University in 1973. It was at EIU that she met her husband Al—whom she married 6 months later—and began a joyful adventure together that lasted 50 years. Bobbi worked as a teacher and a guidance counselor in Kansas and Arkansas while Al pursued a Ph.D. and after they settled in Rosewood Heights, Bobbi was hired as a counselor at Roxana High School in 1985. She was a beloved community member, always ready with a hug and a kind (and possibly sarcastic) comment to bring one joy. Bobbi's commitment to her students and colleagues was acknowledged when RHS dedicated the 1990 yearbook to her. She was an active member of the St. Paul Methodist Church in Rosewood Heights, the American Association of University Women, and Delta Theta Tau philanthropic sorority for many years, and traveled throughout the U.S. every chance she got. Bobbi never met a stranger—only people she had not yet befriended. And she could and would befriend anyone, a quality that her children found as embarrassing in their youth as they found admirable in their adulthood. She will be remembered and missed for her incredible generosity, warmth, and especially her sense of humor. She is survived by: her husband Al; son Jason Ortegren and daughter-in-law Tabatha of Pensacola, FL; son Marc Ortegren of Bethalto, IL; daughter Jenn Ortegren and son-in-law Ajay Verghese of Middlebury, VT; and grandchildren Parker and Siddha Ortegren and Zahina and Aliyah Verghese. The family intends to celebrate Bobbi's life with a private service some time in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her name to Oasis Women's Center in Alton, IL, P.O. Box 636, Alton, IL 62002.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Telegraph on Sep. 10, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Roberta Ortegren

8 Entries

Joe Huff

September 4, 2024

Ortegren Family,
I would stop into see BO every now and then while at school if she wasn´t busy. We would chat about the school year as how things were going, but the one thing she always brought up was her family. Kiddo´s, you were your Mom´s light!!! We would talk about what you and your family´s were doing and where they lived.
Of course, Al was on the golf course hitting and chasing that little white ball!! Ms Bobbi was a true family member who put her family number one. She was an outstanding person that many of us had so much respect for in the community and school.Nothing but the best to the Ortegren Family´s!!!
Joe & Sherry Huff

Susie and Rohland Pruetzel

September 12, 2023

To Al and family, To know Bobbi was to love her. She brought lots of joy, friendship and fun into our lives. Cherish your memories, I know you have lots! In friendship and love,
Susie and Rohland

Connie Hickerson

September 11, 2023

Bobbi was a joy to all who knew her. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to Al & her entire family.

Beth Webster Mabb

September 11, 2023

Bobbi was my emotional support system in high school. She always had an open ear, a smile and good advice. Her laugh was contagious. My condolence to the Ortegren family.

Bill Smith

September 11, 2023

I taught with Bobbi at Roxana High School and enjoyed her presence and friendship. She was a person that really cared about the students she met and dealt with. She was a good friend.

Roley Overmeyer

September 11, 2023

So sorry for your loss Marc. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Debbie Tite

September 10, 2023

I have fond memories of Bobbi. She was a wonderful person. Thinking of her family at this difficult time.

Carleen Balzraine

September 10, 2023

My sincere condolences to Bobbi's family. She always had a big smile and sweet manor about her. Hugs.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

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