Robert J. Cekay, 88, of Taylorville, died at 4:00 pm Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Taylorville Care Center.
He was born June 12, 1926 in Chicago, IL the son of Robert A. and Margaret Young Cekay. On August 30, 1947 he married Rita T. Hopkins in Chicago, IL and she preceded him in death on May 20, 2005. In 1945 Bob entered the U.S. Army one week after high school graduation. He went to Korea in 1946 and served as an M.P. He was honorably discharged in 1947 with the rank of Sargent.
After returning home to Chicago and marrying Rita he went on to serve a three year apprenticeship and became a Journeyman plasterer in 1950. He was a member of the Plasterers Union and the Teamsters.
Bob and Rita raised their family of seven children in Mundelein, IL. In 1968 he assumed the responsibility as Manager for the Village Green Golf Course in Lake County, IL. As a father of five sons Bob became very active with the Boy Scouts of America in Mundelein.
The couple retired to Taylorville in 1990. Bob served as a Volunteer Transporter with the Taylorville Hospital. He received a 1000 hour recognition award for his volunteer services.
He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Surviving are his Children: Robert A. Cekay and wife Roberta of Indianapolis, IN, Maureen Appleton and husband Bob of Taylorville, Mary Allen and husband Rick of Chapel Hill, NC, Daniel Cekay and wife Susan of Wheaton, John Cekay and wife Martina of Grunberg, Germany, Patrick Cekay of Chicago, and Daughter-in-law LuAnn Zanzola (widow of Thomas Cekay) of Roselle, IL. Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren: Mary Beth Appleton, Laura, Hanson and Emerson Chau, Carolyn Kevin, Benjamin, and Ryan Zinter, Anthony and Erica, Nathaniel and Mary Cekay, Christopher and Alison, Andrew and Sean Allen, Kelan, Christen and Eileen Cekay, Michael and Cristopher Cekay, and Robert and Cameron Cekay Bob was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Rita, and a son, Thomas Cekay, and a brother George Cekay.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Father Alan Hunter officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until time of service in the Church on Tuesday. McClure Funeral Home, Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be made to: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 470, Taylorville, IL 62568 or Christian County Senior Citizen’s Center, 701 West Adams, Taylorville, IL 62568
Memories of Bob or condolences to the family may be made online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
