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Robert Zenk Obituary

Robert Edwin Zenk, 64, of Mackinaw, IL, servant of the Lord, passed away December 30, 2010, at home surrounded by family and friends. An only child, Robert was born November 5, 1946, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Robert William and Maude Melone Zenk. On August 24, 1968, Rob married Emma Rose Bowling who survives him. Robert is survived by three daughters: Heather (Tim) St. Peters of Fort Wayne, IN; Darcey (Ryan) Threlkeld of Indianapolis, IN; Shannon (John Nowak) Zenk of Chicago, IL; and one son Jason (Michelle) of McLean, VA. Robert is also survived by eight grandchildren: Kalila, Rhys, Emma, Zavyor, Daryk, Eva, Lena, and Nathan, as well as in-laws: Faye, Beulah, Sue, Ruby, Arlene and Norm, Vicki, and Paula and Howard. Robert was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Elizabeth Darlene St. Peters. Robert earned an associate's degree from Illinois Central College and a Biblical Studies Certificate through Liberty University. Robert, an entrepreneur and traveling salesman throughout central Illinois, started Supreme Sales and U.S. Muscle Cars. Most recently, he worked at Mangold Ford in Eureka, Illinois. Robert enjoyed family and friends, playing games, and sharing about his Savior, Jesus Christ. He particularly treasured his children and the communities of Holly Hills Subdivision, New Castle Bible Church, and Tremont Baptist Church. Robert's visitation will be held at New Castle Bible Church, Mackinaw, Illinois, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 2, 2011. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Monday, January 3, 2011 at New Castle Bible Church. Pastors Noah Lee and Phil Somers will officiate. Robert will be laid to rest at Bronswood Cemetery in Oak Brook, Illinois, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 4. Haensel Funeral Home in Mackinaw is handling the arrangements. The family requests in lieu of flowers that memorials may be made to A Friend's House in Bluffton, Indiana and Zion's Hope. Please honor Robert by wearing cheerful attire. Online condolences may be made at www.haenselfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South DuPage Reporter/Progress on Jan. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
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January 4, 2011

Altho I was not able to be there in person my thoughts and heart were. I know Rob was my brother -in -law he was more like a brother as I could call and ask a questions he would help me. We had some good talks. He and my husband were close and both loved to talk cars. I know he is enjoying his reunion with the other brother-in-laws. I know his first after the Lord was the reunion with his parents and his family. He will join them in watching over his family.He will be with you in spirit and love.
Take care of each other. Love Ruby
Ruby Bettin Sun City AZ

Norm & Arlene Tucker

January 3, 2011

Rose,children and grandchildren. Our earthly sorrows will fade as we focus on the glorious reunion with all our loved one in Christ Jesus. May this give all of you comfort at this time. Rob is waiting without pain for this reunion.

Christi Rose

January 3, 2011

I am so glad I had the joy of knowing Rob. He was such a friend to me, always offering encouragement and sharing from his heart. He and Mrs. Rose make the best BLT's in town and were always opening their home to welcome you in! I will greatly miss you, my friend, but I know that you are sitting at the feet of Jesus asking many, many questions! Until we meet again dear one!

Kory Mayo

January 3, 2011

You all have my deepest sympathy! I am so sorry that I was unaware of his passing. God bless you all! With love, Kory Mayo

Rick Rohman

January 3, 2011

I was very fortunate to be able to call Rob my friend. I will miss our chats on the phone and in person as well as the lunches we had. He was very good at putting things in perspective and was a great role model for me. My prayers are with Rose and the family.

January 2, 2011

Over our lifetimes we meet many people. Of those only a minority are remembered in the way I will remember this man. I only knew of him as a result of being friends with his children but what I saw in him I will always remember. How he loved and cared for his family and the mutual love care and respect they had for him was plain to see. We will miss him here but we look forward to the day when we will see him again. Ramon Vasquez Ft.Wayne In.

Andrea Johnson

January 1, 2011

I remember our 50th H.S. reunion last fall. That's when I first got to know Robert and I was impressed. He was truly a man of God and full of happiness and willing to go the extra mile. Praying for peace for you and the family in your loss and heaven's gain.

Howard and Paula

January 1, 2011

We will miss Rob greatly. His sense of humor, his love of the Bears, his joy in his family. Our love and sympathies to all of the family.

January 1, 2011

Thank God that he allowed our family to know Rob...he will be deeply missed but, we rejoice in the fact that we’ll get to dance forever in eternity with him. May the Zenk family be greatly comforted by our Lord and Savior during this most difficult time. Steve & Audrey Brown and family (Metamora, IL)

January 1, 2011

What a joy and privilege it was to know Bob and call him friend. Our families go back many years and the memories created will last a life time. The summer get-away trips to surrounding communities, our 4th of July picnics, weddings, swimming gatherings, surprise birthdays– these are reflected within the heart. Rose, Heather, Darcy, Shannon and Jason, our deepest sympathy is extended to you. Let us celebrate Bob's life, knowing that he is safely home with Jesus Christ for a job well done, faithful servant!.. Love, Marcia, Harry, Tina, Eric and family.

Pam Kemp

December 31, 2010

Rob was a very kind landlord to me and my family. We appreciated knowing him and are so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing but rejoicing that he is in Heaven. Prayers, Pam Kemp and family

sue Miller

December 31, 2010

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember the good time we had together. Love Sue Miller

Shirley Hubbs

December 31, 2010

Just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I'm thankful for the memories I have of the Zenk family from the years at Bolin School. Love, Jerry & Shirley Hubbs

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