Official Obituary of
Robert E. Theden
September 9, 1928 ~ September 13, 2021 (age 93) 93 Years Old
Robert Theden Obituary
Robert (Bob) E. Theden, 93, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of Monday, September 13, 2021 in the care of his patient and loving wife of 72 years, Joan. Bob was born on September 9, 1928 to Eric and Rosalyn Tull Theden. He resided in Rockford and graduated from East High School in 1946. He married Joan Fredrickson Theden on June 16, 1949 and they raised their 4 children, instilling the worth of family, friends, honesty and love.
Bob was employed by Illinois Bell, later ATT, for 35 years, and then continued working in the same field for several more years. In 1969, he was awarded The Vail Award, which is an ATT recognition given to people who have gone above and beyond in situations that resulted in life saving events, for his heroic actions that resulted in saving a young girl from a fire. Bob would deny he was a hero, but we all knew better.
Bob and Joan had 4 children, Jack, Nancy, Tim and Tina, and always made time to give them a childhood filled with love, fun times and a lifetime of memories to be fondly remembered and relived. Bob accompanied his great-grandparents on many summer trips and made sure his own family would have an annual vacation as well. The camping trips started out with a tent and beautifully handcrafted camping kitchen chests, but after one too many wet tents and sleeping bags, he designed and handcrafted a custom pop-up camper. That camper took them throughout the USA and was recently restored by Tim. Bob absolutely loved that another generation of Theden kids were camping in the original camper. Eventually Bob and Joan upgraded to a pull-behind trailer and continued camping and wintering in the southwest until they were 81.
Bob had many talents—oil painting, woodworking, whittling figures with realistic detail and could repair almost anything. He was also an outdoorsman who enjoyed bow and arrow hunting locally, and then going elk hunting in Wyoming and making friends with a family who lived on the mountain. His annual Canadian fishing trips were always a highlight of the year for him, but he enjoyed fishing most anywhere. Bob was’ blessed’ with a special sense of humor and no one was immune to it. It could be dished out easily, at times somewhat inappropriate, but if you could respond in equal measure, he would laugh out loud. You could ask anyone at Johnny Pamcakes about Bob and they would attest to his teasing. “Johnny’s” was part of his morning routine and he sure did missing going to see everyone there.
Bob was a counselor for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He made Pinewood Derby racetracks and ice sleds for the Boy Scouts. He took his responsibility of being the Red Cross swimming counselor for the Boy Scouts very seriously. And he passed that onto his children, making sure they were all capable swimmers. In fact, Tina won a medal in swimming while competing in the Special Olympics. When Tim became interested in The Astros through the YMCA, Sundays became a family event traveling to different locations for the Rocket Events. And when Jack was interested in playing pool, the basement was converted into a “Pool Hall.” One winter he made an ice rink in the back yard as Nancy preferred to be on ice skates most winter weekends. As much as Bob enjoyed times with his children, when grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along, he treasured his role as “Poppy.”
Bob is predeceased by his daughter, Tina; parents, Eric and Rosalyn Theden; in-laws, Arthur and Edith Fredrickson; brother, Richard Theden and his wife, Shirlee; and sister-in-law, Grace Theden. Also predeceased by brothers-in-law, Roland (Jean) and Ray (Pris) Fredrickson; sister-in-law, Rhoda (Roy) Kruger; nephews, Eric Johnson, Larry Theden, Jim Fredrickson and niece, Nan Clark.
Those left to mourn his leaving are his wife, Joan Fredrickson Theden; sons, Jack (Sandra) Theden, Tim (Agnieszka) Theden; daughter, Nancy (Sam) Pirrello; and daughter-in-law, Chris Ames. Bob’s grandchildren are Jenna Theden, Tyler (Jenna) Theden, Jesse Pirrello, Andy (Tanya) Pirrello, Leif (Christine) Theden, Gunnard (Branigan) Theden, Grace (Ryan) Hansen, Kirsten (Gad) Perdomo, Sophie Theden, Steig (Michaelee) Theden and Matthew Ames. Bob's sister, Audrey (Robert) Johnson. Bob loved his 15 great-grandchildren and was thankful he was able to enjoy another generation of grandchildren. His nieces and nephews are Bruce (Cathy) Theden, Richard (Saba) Theden, Sue (Sandra Falconer) Theden, Charles (Dawn) Johnson, Alan (Barb) Fredrickson, Sara (David) Clark, Dan (Lori) Fredrickson, Ken (Lil) Kruger, Karen Meyer, Susan (Bruce) Unger, Carl Fredrickson and Mary Fredrickson.
There will be private graveside services. In lieu of flowers, and if the Spirit moves you, donations can be made to Rock House Kids, 1325 7th St., Rockford, IL 61104.
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1325 7th Street, Rockford IL 61104
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