Robert L. Wadsworth

CROWN POINT, IN - Robert L. Wadsworth left his loving family on his 81st birthday. A year ago, family, friends and co-workers gathered to celebrate this man who has left an indelible and precious mark on many throughout his rich and engaged life. Bob truly lived life on his own terms, and he worked day and night until his last days, exactly as he wanted. The last days were hard and it took some time to discover that he had MDS but he was surrounded by family every moment. Bob promoted the value of celebrations as a way to bring together family, friends and strangers to create and strengthen lifelong bonds. We are forever grateful to this man -- our legend -- who grabbed life and took all of us along for the ride. Born in 1938 as a a twin, Bob lived his formative years in Dixon, IL, where extended family relationships were critical to his upbringing. At the start of high school, the family moved to Evanston, IL, where he met his wife, Mary. After graduation, he attended University of Illinois and Northwestern before landing with Berry Tire. He managed the Blue Island location until his retirement in 1997, Bob would not stop, He launched his own business, Innovative Energy, and served as the President of Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association International. In addition to manufacturing building insulation, the company produces insulated packaging for many common household and commercial deliveries. Bob and his wife, Mary, raised multiple families. They had their own daughters, provided a loving and fun home to foster children, adopted and supported their own grandchildren, and provided shelter to numerous friends needing a temporary home. Together, they touched many lives in the best ways possible. As Bob would acknowledge, though, he was not without his faults, some endearing while others not so much. He loved debating, whether it was books, politics, religion or his latest food discovery. If you ever needed a product review, Bob was your go-to guy as he was incapable of not buying the latest gadgets. His explosive bursts of anger and language could set you back and leave you shaken. But his capacity for forgiveness was unmatched. When you were frozen by fear, anxiety or complicated relationships, Bob had the gift so few people have: the ability to listen, ask the right questions and support you as you worked your way through your dilemma. Guests in his home were guaranteed a drink, whether it was fresh brewed coffee, an excellent glass of wine, or an ice cold martini. On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, his farm became a gathering place for almost 40 years where family and friends ate like kings and queens, played games, watched movies and screamed "Ooh" and "Aah" at his awesome fireworks displays. Outside of his home, Bob traveled extensively throughout the world for pleasure and work. Bob leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Mary, of Mundelein, IL and Crown Point, IN; sisters Lou Crosby of Montreal, WI and Sue (Ross) Olmos of Ocala, FL; daughters Laura (John) Mellon of Mundelein, Whitney (Jonathon) Hagarbome of Crown Point, and Amanda Wadsworth of San Diego; grandchildren Jacob Castellanos of Virginia Beach; Liam Mellon of Mundelein, Mallory Mellon of Kenosha, WI, and Abby Woods of San Diego; great grandchildren Maximus and Stella Hagarbome of Crown Point, and a multitude of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Roger, daughter Carol, and special aunts and uncles. Visitation will be held from 1-5PM Sat., Jan. 26 at Burns Funeral Home 10101 Broadway, Crown Point, IN 46307. A private family celebration will be held on Memorial Day weekend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.learningforum.org to aid in a scholarship for a child to go to Super Camp. This is something Bob believed in and sent many children to attend.

Robert L. Wadsworth

January 20, 1938 - January 20, 2019