Robert John Klimkowski

KLIMKOWSKI, Robert, aged 93, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2023 at 11:54 PM. Robert was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Harriett and Bruno Klimkowski, both immigrants from Poland. Bob grew up on the south side of Chicago above his parent’s grocery store and often worked there. He had one brother, Bruno Jr., 4 years his senior. They were very close when they were young and remained that way through adulthood. They played Santa Claus for each other’s children and at birthday parties could be heard singing various tunes together (barbershop quartet style) such as, “Let me call you sweetheart” or “You are my sunshine.”

Bob was a valedictorian from Five Holy Martyrs Elementary School and he graduated in three years from Holy Trinity High School. Unbeknownst to either of them, his wife to be would graduate valedictorian at the Catholic school down the street from Holy Trinity. He married Dolores in 1950. He was 20 years old.

Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and was a master of “the Pun”. His children often spoke of “Dad jokes” rolling their eyes.

An organic chemist at heart, he worked as a chemist for A. B. Dick full- time while earning his Master’s Degree in Chemistry from DePaul at night, and then worked as The Director of Research and Development for Dietzgen Corp. He had over 20 patents. Following Dietzgen, he was President of Canadian Thermo Images, the company’s product based on one of his patents.

He was the ultimate dog lover (as was his mother). There wasn’t a mutt or pure breed that he didn’t like and they all liked him, even aggressive ones. His wife jokingly called him, “St. Francis of Assisi.” 

He was preceded in death by his wife on January 4, 2021. Bob is survived by his children: Mark (Beverly), Doriane, Roberta (Paul), Paul (Chris) and Jim (Mary Beth); grandchildren: Brad, Eric, Jeffrey, Amy, Angela, Nicole, Nick, Allison, and Luke; great-grandchildren: Brody, Mason, Maddie, Emmit, Atlas, Holland and Brooke and many nieces, nephews and friends.