Robert Reidel OBITUARY

Robert Reidel OBITUARY

Robert “Bob” Reidel, 78, of Baldwin, Michigan, lived a wonderful life as a loving husband, proud father and grandfather, and a dedicated community member. Bob was born May 5, 1947, in Libertyville, Illinois, to Wallace and Amelia Reidel. The youngest of four children, he graduated from Mundelein High School in 1965. Soon after, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, and served in the Vietnam War with the 9th Infantry Division. After returning to Illinois, Bob joined the Lake Forest Police Department in 1969. He met the love of his life, Ruthie Flaig, and they were married on June 14, 1970. Together they raised four children—Rachele, Emily, Carissa, and Jacob—and built a loving family life filled with vacations, laughter, and time with family and friends. Bob served with the Lake Forest Police Department until his retirement as Commander in 2001. In 2002, Bob moved to Baldwin, Michigan, where he built a home on Lake Cecilia and enjoyed retirement. He later served as Lake Township Clerk from 2008 until his passing in February. Bob’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He enjoyed reading, playing cribbage, watching John Wayne movies, cooking, traveling, and spending evenings around the campfire or watching sunsets over the lake. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Ruthie; his parents, Wallace and Amelia Reidel; and his sister, Mary Louise Shipley. He is survived by his children, Rachele Reidel (Colleen Chapoton), Emily Africano, Carissa Reidel, and Jacob (Laura) Reidel; grandchildren Zachary and Henry Reidel, Cola Africano, and Peter and Ruthie Chapoton-Reidel; brothers Wallace and Ray (Connie) Reidel; sisters-in-law Anna, Ella, and Laraine; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A burial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 29, 2026, at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery in Lake Forest, Illinois, with a luncheon to follow at Grace United Methodist Church in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bread of Life Food Pantry (https://breadoflifefoodpantrybaldwinmi.com/) in Baldwin, Michigan, or the Lake Forest Police Foundation (https://lakeforestpolicefoundation.org) in Lake Forest, Illinois.