Have you ever heard the story, the one about the man who was raised in Brooklyn, NY? It’s a romantic comedy of sorts. If told correctly it’s one of the greats. To be exact it’s more of a collection—probably the greatest collection of short stories that were never written down. Unfortunately, we who heard them didn’t quite have the recall skills of the Greeks, nor the timing of a master story teller. Because you know how stories are, they’re all about timing. Well this guy, Rob Ullstrom, had impeccable timing. The best joke teller you’d ever hope to run in to.
Perhaps I can refresh your memory? You know the one where the guy, this fast talking tough guy, the toughest guy in New York, is drafted and sent off to Vietnam? The one where he loses his leg in combat loses his opposite big toe on the stretcher as it’s taken off the field. The one where he survives. He comes home with a Purple Heart. Where, upon his return, he runs around Long Island and Queens with a crew of maniac friends, surviving everyday and laughing aloud for being alive.
How about the one where he moved to Florida? About how he fell in love with a woman named Pam. How they went to their favorite beaches every day, Madeira and Treasure Island, shopped at John’s Pass and befriended minor league ball players, baseball and hockey alike. How the two of them ran around in a frenzied state of fun and love along the Gulf Coast, making memories of every moment.
If you recall, they left Florida. They moved to Ottawa, Illinois after a while to be closer to family. They were married on September 2, 1984. But the fun didn’t stop there. Perhaps you overheard? At a bar or barbeque, a garage or on the golf course? Around town or around a Christmas Eve fire?
Oh you’ve heard some? Then you know. Know what? Oh I’m so sorry to be the one, the one to tell you. I’m no good at timing—not like Rob Ullstrom anyway. No one is. You see—Rob passed away on Thursday, June, 12, 2014. He did have a great life. It’s true, a full life. I wish it could’ve gone on for many more years too, but it seems God was getting bored and needed a good story teller at the table and Rob had to accept. After all, it’s not easy turning down the Lord, even for the toughest guy from New York.
Rob was born to Felix and Dorothy (Johnson) Ullstrom on November 24th, 1947 in Manhattan, New York. He is survived by his love, his wife, his partner in crime of 29 years, Pamela Kaye (Bower) Ullstrom. Rob joined his only son, Robbie, for Father’s Day this year; Robbie passed away in August of 2013.
He was the best uncle and Godfather out there and his nephews and their families loved him dearly. They are Michael McGrath (Quintana) of Glendale, CA, Stephen McGrath (Mandi) of Downers Grove, IL, Mark McGrath (Claudia) of Los Angeles, CA, and Kevin McGrath (Casey) of Ottawa, IL, and his great nieces and nephew, Reed McGrath, Elle McGrath and Olivia McGrath. He is further survived by his sister-in law and brother-in-law, Gary and Deb McGrath of Ottawa, IL, aunt and uncle, Wayne and Karen Bower of Ottawa, IL, and a host of many, many friends, too many to count or name.
And so it is, with great love and humility, that we welcome you to a viewing at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa, IL, between 3 and 6 p.m., Sunday, June 15th, 2014 to celebrate the wonderful life of our husband, uncle, and cherished friend. A religious service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16th, at the Mueller Funeral Home officiated by Father Mike Driscoll. Burial will follow with full military rites at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, Illinois. Pallbearers are Michael, Stephen, Mark and Kevin McGrath, Gary McGrath and Wayne Bower. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Richard Gelbuda, Tom Shea, Bill Sipula, Pete Cerillo, Kevin Hamilton, and Rich McCurdy.
Robert is laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.
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