Obituaries

Robert Earl Hanczar was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 20, 1944.  He was raised by his mother, Lillian (Lewis) Hanczar and his father Frank Hanczar.  In his early teens the family moved to Northlake.  He had some hard times in his teens and early 20’s

but eventually, with guidance from some college professors, passed the GED and earned many credits from NIU, coming very close to earning a B.A.

Bob had an amazing career. He was employed at the Illinois Youth Center, Valley View, from 1970 to 2001 where he quickly moved up the ranks. His ability to positively impact the lives of the youth, his attention to protocol and his work ethic made him a valuable employee.  Over time, he was promoted to the position of Director of Training, statewide. At his retirement celebration in 2001 many people came from all over the state to celebrate and honor him and his career in corrections.

Within a year of retiring, Bob sought some other employment and worked for two years at The Larkin Center School in Elgin as a teaching assistant. He helped students with special emotional and behavioral needs. Again, he was a successful, dedicated, valued employee. He was never absent, never late, and always ready to meet the needs of staff and students.

Following, he and his beautiful wife Jan worked together providing security at festivals and car shows in Chicago and the suburbs.

They also did a lot of traveling. They met and befriended so many folks who would become longtime friends.

Winters at their condo in Cape Coral, Florida were very special times for them.  In good weather, both in IL or FL one could expect to see Bob riding on his motorcycle with Jan perched on the back. They also enjoyed scuba diving anywhere and everywhere!

Bob suffered much from COPD and its devastating complications. He passed away December 6, 2022 at 1:00 am at his residence  with his sons Kris and Rob, their mother Gail and his sister-in-law Cindy present.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jan and both of his parents, his brothers Larry (Judy) and Frank, Jr., daughter Stephani, and his step-son James Hall.

He is survived by his brother Michael, sisters Pamela Gibbons and Robin Hanczar.  He is also survived by sons Kristoffer (DeeDee) Hanczar, Robert (Jennifer) Hanczar, and his step-daughters Peggy Hall and Katie Wheeler, his sister-in-law Cindy Gordon, his former wife Gail Hanczar, as well as 16 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

His Celebration of Life will be held at Yurs Funeral Home in Geneva, IL, on Friday, December 16th. Visitation is 1:00PM to 2:30PM with the service to follow.

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