Lombard/Villa Park obituaries—October 27

PAUL BOBOLIA
Paul Bobolia, age 96, of Lombard. Beloved husband of 68 years to the late Betty Jean (née McCoskey), cherished father of Linda (Tim) Halleckson, Karen (Richard) Berger, Mary (Dan) Coco, Barbara (Harold) Cazaubon, and Lisa (Sean) Kerns. Proud grandfather of Stephanie (Mike) Gorecki, Stacey Berger, Corinne (Sarah) Berger-Clark, Tony Coco, Hannah (James) Garriga, and Stephanie Coco. Fond Great-Grandpa of Theo and Gwen Gorecki, and George Berger-Clark. Baby brother to George of Santa Barbara, California, and uncle to many.
Paul was born and raised in Peekskill, New York, as the youngest of nine children. Upon graduating Peekskill High School, he entered the service, following in the footsteps of all four of his brothers.
He joined the Army and served in Luzon, Philippines, during World War II as a member of the 37th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He was wounded and earned a Purple Heart but remained overseas until the war was over. He often spoke of his military days with great respect for all who served.
After the war, he made his way home and attended Syracuse University courtesy of the GI Bill. Shortly after graduating, he met his soulmate Betty Jean and the newlyweds soon settled in the Midwest to raise their family. If you ever met Paul, you would very quickly know that he had five daughters, a fact that gave him great joy.
Paul was a salesman and sales manager for 33 years for Becton-Dickenson, and upon his retirement, it was written that Paul was an ideal company man who set the standard for all to follow.
His interests included tennis, cribbage, baseball on TV, and attending the various activities of his family. He also maintained the nicest lawn on the block.
Paul’s kindness, humble attitude, and sweet disposition will never be forgotten. Truly a gem, he was loved by everyone who ever met him and is already greatly missed.
Memorials to Honor Flight Chicago are appreciated. Mass and interment private. for funeral information please contact Knollcrest.net or call 630-932-1500.

RONALD G. GOLTERMANN
Ronald G. Goltermann, age 90, lifetime Lombardian, passed away October 22, 2022.
Ronald was the dear friend and husband of the late Gladys, née Blackburn, who were married in August 1959 at St. Paul Congregational Church in Chicago.
Ronald was the dear father of Penny (William) Lovell of Plainfield; dear grandfather of Denise (James) Chrobak, William (Kim) Lovell, Jr., Todd Lovell and Colin (fiancée Brittany) Lovell; dear great-grandfather of Devin, Kaitlyn, Nathan, Kaylee and the late Hannah; brother of Richard (Becky) Goltermann; and uncle of Annette and Robert.
Ronald was a voracious reader and regularly read Time Magazine, National Geographic and books of all kinds. He was into physical fitness and loved yoga. He also enjoyed playing chess with his family members. Ronald made great lemonade.
Ronald was a very social person and enjoyed meeting people through his job as a bus driver.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, October 28, at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main St., Lombard, with a Visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Elm Lawn Cemetery, Elmhurst.
Donations in Ronald’s name may be made to the ASPCA Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 96929, Washington DC 20077-7127 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

SHIRLEY V. RARDIN
Shirley Valentine Rardin, age 94, of Lombard, IL, passed away on October 22, 2022.
Shirley was a long-time Lombard resident, having lived in the area since 1951. She met the late Richard Rardin in church at Sunday School as kids, and “knew he was the man she would marry”, which she did on May 31, 1947 at Drexel Park Presbyterian Church in Chicago.
Shirley and Richard were married for 73 years and blessed with four children; the late Kathy (Jack) Baker, Karen (Michael) Legler, Richard J. Jr. (Sheryl) Rardin, Larry (Lauren) Rardin; Granny to Amy Johnson, Stacy (Steve) Perkins, Abigail (Jake) Epprecht, Jessica (Nathan) Ewald, Jon (Katie) Baker, Claire Baker, Michael D. (Theresa) Legler, Ryan (Naomi) Legler, James (Audrey) Rardin, Matthew (Kristen) Rardin, Andrew (Koby) Rardin, Rose Marley (Travis) Gardin, Steven (Amanda) Rardin; and 38 great-grandchilden.
She was preceded in death by her parents Emil Kajer Sr. and Gladys May, née Milham; and her siblings the late Dorothy Kajer, the late Harold John Kajer, and the late Emil Kajer Jr.
Shirley spent her time volunteering at First United Methodist Church. There, she was active in numerous church activities such as Women’s Society, rummage sales, helping with funeral luncheons, fundraisers and more.
In her spare time, she loved square dancing and traveling to Hawaii with her husband. Shirley enjoyed garden club with friends and neighbors. More than that, she loved spending time with her family.
She will truly be missed.
A Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 1, from 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Brust Funeral Home, 135 S. Main Street, Lombard. Shirley will be Lying-In-State on Wednesday, November 2, from 10 a.m. until the time of a Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 155 S. Main St., Lombard. Interment to follow at Chapel Hill Gardens West, Oakbrook Terrace, IL.
Memorials to First United Methodist Church, 155 S. Main St., Lombard; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, are appreciated.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome.com or 888-629-0094.

ROD ROESKE
Rod Roeske, age 80, long-time Lombard resident, passed away Oct. 18, 2022, at Elmhurst Hospital.
All services are private.
Info: www.brustfuneralhome or 888-629-0094.