02/09/2026
Obituary for Robert Kenneth Reidel (May 5th, 1947-February 6th, 2026)
Robert ‘Bob’ Reidel, age 78, of Baldwin Michigan lived a wonderful life. He was a loving
husband, a proud father and grandfather, and an active community member.
Bob was born in Libertyville, Illinois on May 5th
, 1947, to Wallace and Amelia Reidel. He
was the youngest of four children. Bob graduated from Mundelein High School in 1965.
Shortly after high school, Bob was drafted into the Army. He served in the Vietnam War
where he was in the 9 th
Infantry Division (River Rat). He was very proud to serve his
country.
On his return to Illinois, Bob joined the Lake Forest Police Department in 1969. He met
the love of his life, Ruthie Flaig, and they knew they were meant to be together. They
were married on June 14th
, 1970, in the Bureau Congregational Church in Bureau,
Illinois and built a beautiful life together. Bob and Ruthie had four children, Rachele,
Emily, Carissa, and Jacob, who meant the world to them. They took many memorable
vacations together and spent lots of time with Ruthie’s family in Princeton, Illinois. When
Ruthie died unexpectedly in 1997; Bob’s strength held his family together as they
continued their life in the Lake Bluff and Lake Forest Communities. Bob was a great
neighbor and an active member in Grace United Methodist Church.
Bob was a member of the Lake Forest Police Department for 32 years until his
retirement as a Commander in 2001. He enjoyed his work and his colleagues and
earned the respect of everyone who met him.
In 2002, Bob built a new home on Lake Cecilia and moved to Baldwin Michigan. While
in Baldwin, Bob was the Lake Township Clerk from the year 2008 until he passed in
February. He thoroughly enjoyed his retirement and the friends he made in the
community.
Bob’s greatest joy was being with his family. He treasured the time he had with his five
grandchildren. From reading stories to them in his favorite chair to riding his
grandchildren around on his tractor, Bob found great happiness in watching his
grandchildren play and grow.
Everyone who knew Bob appreciated his great sense of humor and kindness. He was
always ready to lend a helping hand to everyone he met. He enjoyed reading books,
playing cribbage, watching John Wayne movies, spoiling his pets, traveling, wearing fun
shirts, and spending time around the campfire with his family. He always enjoyed sitting
on the porch and watching the birds or the sunset on the lake. He was excellent
cook, and he liked to try unique and interesting foods. No matter where he was or who
he was with, Bob had a way of making everyone feel special.
Bob was preceded in death by his loving wife Ruthie, his parents, Wallace Reidel and
Amelia (Celba) Reidel, and his sister Mary Louise Shipley.
Bob is survived by his children, Rachele Reidel (Colleen Chapoton), Emily Africano,
Carissa Reidel, and Jacob (Laura) Reidel, his grandchildren Zachary and Henry Reidel,
Cola Africano, and Peter and Ruthie Chapoton-Reidel. He leaves his brothers Wallace
and Ray (Connie) Reidel, sisters-in-laws Anna, Ella, and Laraine, his many nephews
and nieces, and so many friends.
Bob will have a visitation at the Lake Township Hall in Lake Township on Saturday,
February 21st, from 9:30am to 11:30am. There will also be a burial service at the Fort
Sheridan National Cemetery in Lake Forest, Illinois. On June 29th, 1100, am.
Any memorial contributions should be made to the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Baldwin,
Michigan or the Lake Forest Police Foundation.
