Robert R. Ratch

Robert Ray Ratch, 75, of Topeka and formerly of Lindenhurst, IL, passed away on May 18, 2008 at Midland Hospice House after a lengthy illness. He was born on June 10, 1932 in Oakley, KS, the son of Ray and Ila Ratch.

His childhood was spent in Emporia, KS, graduating from Emporia High School in 1950. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kansas in 1959. On July 4, 1958, he married the former Nancy B. Read of Kirksville, MO in the Danforth Chapel at Kansas University. Robert was a U.S. veteran of the Air Force serving during the Korean Conflict. He worked at the corporate headquarters of Allstate Insurance Company in Northbrook, IL and retired as state filings director in 1994. Robert served as the mayor of Lindenhurst, IL from 1983 to 1991. He also served as village trustee from 1971-1975 and 1981-1983. After retirement, he was appointed to the Lake County, IL Economic Development Commission from 1984-1990. From 1991-1996 he was appointed to the Lake County, IL Regional Planning Commission and was twice elected chairman. He was a member of the Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene in Topeka.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy of the home, two daughters, Christina Burton (Laurence) of Aurora, CO, Robin Moore (William) of Chicago, IL, and four grandsons, Kamen and Corey Burton, and William and Henry Moore.

A memorial will be held in Topeka at 11:00 a.m, Friday, July 25 at Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene, 3501 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66614 or The Robert R. Ratch Perennial Garden, Village of Lindenhurst, 2301 East Sand Lake Road, Lindenhurst, IL, 60046.