Robert W. McGrath

Robert W. McGrath, age 89, passed away peacefully at his residence Sunday morning, August 7, 2011. Robert was born in Racine May 11, 1922, son of the late John and Elsie (nee: Kanneberg) McGrath and was a lifelong resident. Bob attended St. John Nepomuk Grade School and Wm Horlick High School. He had been a member of Boy Scout Troop 5 and was proud to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in 1937.

On June 9, 1943, at St. John Nepomuk Church, he was united in marriage to Lucille May Wortmann. They enjoyed 57 years of marriage before Lucille passed away September 6, 2000. During World War II, Robert proudly served in the U.S. Navy, stationed in the South Pacific Theatre. He served aboard the destroyer USS Stockham in the Philippines, during the battles at Iwo Jima and when they sailed into Tokyo Bay for the unconditional surrender. Bob was last employed for ten years as assistant director of the UW-Parkside Physical Plant before his retirement in 1983. Bob was a longtime member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, and was also a member of the Navy Club and Friends of Seniors. In his spare time he enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and, most of all, spending time with his family.

Survivors include his children, Kathleen Cook, Linda (Robert) Proeber, Robert (Darlene) McGrath, all of Racine, Mary Farwell of San Diego; grandchildren, Erik (Becky) Cook, Andrea (Dana) Peterson, Amy Braun (Jeff) Bohn, Jody Pitts; great-grandchildren, Aiden Wayne Beckett, Alysa Bohn, Tristan and Kayla Peterson, Tori and Ethan Cook; sisters, Ellen Benton of Milwaukee, Diane McGrath of South Carolina; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and wife, Robert was also preceded in death by his sister, Sr. Francillia McGrath; and brothers, John and Clare.

A Mass of Christian Burial followed by full military honors will be celebrated at St. John Nepomuk Church, 700 English St., Monday, August 15, 2011, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Don Zerkel officiating. Private entombment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church Monday from 10 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. Memorials to St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church or the Boy Scouts of America have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888