Robert LeRoy Kufalk walked into God's graceful presence on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 with his loving wife Beverly, sitting by his side. He was 88.

Robert or “Bob” was born to Roy and Ida Kufalk January 30, 1929 in Waukegan , Illinois. Bob's youth was spent growing up in Antioch, Illinois helping on his uncles' farms. Bob completed his associates degree at Kendall College where he met his future wife Beverly Jean Cleveland. After a brief courtship the two were married on March 22, 1952. Bob then completed his Bachelor's degree in education at Northwestern University.

Bob's first career teaching position was teaching 7th and 8th grade at Byron Public School District where he coached baseball, basketball, and track along with filling in as a school bus driver. Bob continued his education completing two different master degrees in education from Northern Illinois University. In addition to working on a master degree Bob also built fireplaces in order to feed his growing family. It was here that Dale, Rob, and Brad got their first experience of Bob's driven work ethic! Upon completion of his masters degree Bob advanced his career as a principal at Wilson- Dennis Elementary School and eventually Washington Junior High School. It is during his principal ship that Bob became active in the civil rights movement by standing up for the Black community by simply seeking funding for educational materials so American citizens could earn an education. A battle that sadly is still continuing today.

Bob was approached to accept a position as Assistant Superintendent for the state of Illinois, but turned it down as he had no desire for politics. He soon moved on to branch out in his career as director of the School of Hope. It is here through his leadership that the school grew and needed to move locations to meet the needs of the increased number of clients.

While working at the School of Hope Bob and Bev invested in a farm south of Byron. Bob would escape the stresses of administration by raising hogs, beef, and working wood building much of their furniture for Bob and Bev's home. It was here where Bob and his family met many good people who developed into life long friends. Bob's son's claim his favorite hobby was yelling instructions to them through his dust mask while bailing hay!

After dedicating 9 years of his life to the School of Hope Bob made a major career switch into the construction field. He took a job as a foreman with National Business. Bob completed his professional life here at National Business as he worked into his 70's remodeling the old National Lock building.

Bob and Bev's family grew with the birth of their four sons and their eventual families Dale (wife Debra Howells), Robert Jr. (wife Ramona Carroll), Brad (wife Maureen Wedig) and Doug (wife Michele Albers).

Bob and wife finally retired selling their farm and moving to Marquette, Wisconsin. Here he enjoyed fishing the Fox River and Grand River with his sons and 10 grand children.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Ida along with his sister Verna Holem, brother-in-law Don Holem.

A memorial service will be held at Ridgestone Village, Assisted Living facility 1025 S. Second Street located in Delevan, WI at 1:30 PM Saturday, Oct. 7th with Chaplain Sue Benzon officiating. A meal to follow. In lieu of sending flowers a donation may be made in our father's name to Aurora At Home Hospice, Lake Geneva. Betzer Funeral Home is serving the Kufalk Famiily.