Robert Oliver Malmsten, Dec. 6, 1919 – June 13, 2006 and Beatrice Anastasia Malmsten, March 29, 1924 – Dec. 27, 2004. The family of Robert O. and Beatrice A. Malmsten wishes to share, with all in the Chicago area, the legacy of two dearly departed loved ones who each lived rich and rewarding lives and were a blessing to all who knew them. It is said that some people come into our lives and stay a little while. Others come and leave footprints in our hearts forever. Bob and Bea will be remembered forever by the lives they touched. Robert was born on Dec. 6, 1919 to John and Ellen, nee Lindholm, Malmsten in Chicago, IL. Beatrice Lemanski was born to John and Francis Lemanski on March 29, 1924, in Chicago, IL. Bob married Bea on Sept. 6, 1947 in Oak Park, IL. Together they raised two children, Cynthia and John. The family moved to Barrington, IL in 1956. Bob devoted his life to a career as an engineer. He and a close friend started and managed Skill-Di, Inc. and remained partners for over 50 years as they ran their Tool and Die Company, first on Chicago’s Superior Street and later on the north side in Bellwood. During these years Bob was recognized as an endearing man who was funny and fun to be around. He was always upbeat, was a patient teacher and a creative engineer. He was also a gifted inventor and was proud of his many creations. Most of all he was unquestionably respected by his colleagues because he faithfully delivered on his word. He was trusted and always loyal to his family, friends, church and business. Though he worked long and hard on their business he was very active in serving their church (St. Michael’s of Barrington) on the Vestry, ushering and Sage Group. He also was passionate about Saturday morning golf with a long standing and loyal foursome. During these same years Bea was first a homemaker raising Cindy and John. As they grew older she entered a career in Real Estate and became known to many in the Barrington area for her strength of womanhood, the achievement of middle age, and the joy and wonderment of life that were hers. Bea was equally passionate for the game of golf and served their church tirelessly in many capacities. Bob and Bea’s lives were not without challenge as they were preceded in death in 1992 by their son, John who lived with diabetes and was taken home at the early age of 40 by cancer. They moved to Colorado Springs in 2002 to be near their daughter, Cynthia during Bea’s extended illness. At that time she required full-time home care for the disease (Supernuclear Palsy-PSP) that had stolen her ability to communicate and enjoy life, as well as having a debilitating physical effect. Bob devotedly tended to Bea’s care and every need until her passing at the age of 81. Soon after Bea’s passing Bob was diagnosed with cancer that finally took his life at age 86. His final hours passed swiftly as he entered into heaven and the open arms of our Lord and his waiting Bea. As is inscribed on a clock that Bea gave Bob one Christmas, they are again together eternally in “timeless love”. Judging by the affirmative way this loving couple responded to the power of faith, we know God is taking good care of them. We can only imagine them dancing with the angels and each other. Their strength was in knowing that they were not going to die, but be born out of this place into another. Bea was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Musial of Arlington Heights, IL; and survived by her brother, Harry Lemanski of Glenview, IL. Bob is survived by his sister, June Zur of Las Vegas, NV. Both are survived by their daughter, Cynthia (husband, Les Krohnfeldt) of Colorado Springs, CO; grandsons, Mark and Chris Krohnfeldt; and two great-grandchildren; all of Denver, CO. Bob, Bea and son, John are inurned in the Memorial Garden and Columbarium at The Church of St. Michael the Archangel-Episcopal, 7400 Tudor Road, Colorado Springs, CO. “And if I go while you’re still here, Know that I still live on -“-Colleeen Hitchcock- In Our Hearts Forever –
