Obituary of Robert William Whiteside

Robert William Whiteside passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.  Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Ursula, his grand-daughter, Amanda, his parents, Clarence and Alice, and his brother, Charles.  Bob is survived in death by his wife, Dorothy, “Dottie”; two sisters, Pat Metten and Linda McDonald; three sons, Gregory (Robin), David (Arlene) and Steven (Shauna); six grandchildren, Jeffery, Matthew, William, Kristen, Alex, and Galia; and one great-grandson, Emmett.

Bob was born on March 28, 1931 in Zion, Illinois. After graduating from Zion Benton High School, Bob attended Northern Illinois Teachers College (now known as Northern Illinois University) where he met his future wife, Ursula Thiel, and graduated with a degree in music and elementary education. He served in the Naval Reserves for 12 years. He retired after 32 years as a teacher and band director.  In addition to teaching, Bob owned a landscaping company for over 40 years.  

Bob married Dottie Daniels in 2001, which joined the Whyte and the Whiteside families together, greatly enriching his life.  

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, who instilled his great love of the outdoors in his family and many others.  He established the Waukegan School District Outdoor Education Program, where he shared his knowledge and love of nature with countless youth.  He loved spending time at his cabin on Long Lake in Northern Wisconsin where he enjoyed fishing, boating and working in his garden paradise.  

Music was always a big part of Bob’s life.  He was adept at playing many instruments. In addition to being a band director at Beach Park Junior High and Warren High schools, he directed his own family band, which included a brass ensemble with his three boys and his wife accompanying on the piano.  He also enjoyed singing songs with his daughters in law.  

Bob never knew a stranger.  He had the gift of gab and made everyone he met feel comfortable.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at First United Methodist Church of Waukegan, 128 North Martin Luther King Jr. Ave in Waukegan, Illinois.  The family will begin welcoming guests at 10 AM; the service is scheduled for 11 AM.  

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to Vitas Hospice for their loving care and support to Bob, Dottie and family. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Waukegan.