1922
Robert
2019
Robert L. Pabst
March 26, 1922 — September 13, 2019
When I was four years old, Uncle Leo took me to my first Wrigley Field game to see the great Hack Wilson. Thus began a 90 plus year love affair with the Cubs, marked by annual episodes of excitement and despair, culminating in the glory of the 2016 World Series championship. Some dreams do come true.
The road got a bit rough after that train ride to Chicago. Dad died when I was fifteen, at the depths of the Depression, leaving me as sole support for my mother and sister afflicted with polio. Can't say World War II was much fun as a sergeant in the 35th Infantry, dodging enemy bullets. But along with Ike and 16 million brave Allied men and women, I was proud doing what had to be done. Thanks to the GI bill, my army buddy Bob Neal and I decided to attend college- either IU (his choice) or U. of Wisconsin (mine). I lost that coin toss, but two years later a blind date led me to Phyllis Ann Lillie which led to the altar in 1948. Phyllis and I were blessed with ten healthy, spirited, delightful children. She gifted our children, as well as me, with an appreciation of nature, a spirit of adventure, a recognition of social justice, and compassion for one another. With quiet dignity she showed us how to live our lives to the fullest.
During those fertile years I pursued a career in education, thanks to the Dominican nuns at St. Thomas Aquinas elementary who instilled a love of learning and literature. The path from a Rensselaer H.S. English teacher wound to the Lab High School in Bloomington and eventually to a PHD in education at IU, culminating in over 30 years as a professor at ISU. I did my best to promote the notion that learning should be pleasant, at times even fun. I tried to treat every student who enrolled in my classes as a guest in my home.
After losing a battle with breast cancer, my beloved Phyllis departed in 1984. A year later Margaret Duray stole my heart and became the loving, caring, oh-so-patient, good-humored wife with whom I've enjoyed my golden years. Hard to believe a man could get so lucky twice.
But for the loss of a young son, all my children have become successful, independent, loving adults. They may have made me bald and gray, but also proud and thankful. I've been blessed with 17 grandchildren who honor me by calling and sharing the important events of their lives. They have further multiplied the blessings with 23 great-grandchildren - happy, laughing children who make me smile every time I see them.
When my story began, no one had yet flown across the oceans or into space. There were no computers, iPhones and such. But the same things important then- love and family- are the same and only things important still. Thanks to my loving wives and family whose unconditional love and TLC have kept me above ground so long, it's been a wonderful life. Folks, it doesn't get any better than that.
Robert is preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis Lillie Pabst, and his son, Phillip Pabst. Survivors are his current wife, Margaret Duray Pabst, and his children: Ed Pabst (Marilyn), Michelle Lucchese (Ralph), Dennis Pabst (Carol), Lorrie Scheidler (Tom), Julie Oblon (Joseph), Sue Ellen Pabst (Jim Fatka), Robert Joseph Pabst, David Pabst (Julie) and Mark Pabst (Pam). His legacy lives on in his seventeen grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 12:00 Noon, Tuesday, September 17, 2019 in St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 2405 South 7th Street, with Father Dan Bedel officiating. Visitation will be prior to services from 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon in the church. Entombment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Callahan & Hughes Funeral Home, 605 South 25th Street. The family would very much prefer that memorial contributions in lieu of flowers be made to Catholic Charities of Terre Haute, 1801 Poplar Street, Terre Haute, IN 47803 or to Wabash Valley Habitat for Humanity, 2313 Tippecanoe St., Terre Haute, IN 47807-2536. Funeral information and tributes may be also be found at www.callahanandhughes.com.
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Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
10:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Mass of Christian Burial
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
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