Robert Malmquist

THE HONORABLE ROBERT W. MALMQUIST

Age 84 of Morris, passed away Saturday evening October 22, 2005 at Morris Hospital.

Born June 10, 1921 in Chicago, Robert was a son of the late Arthur and Anna Paulina (Piersen) Malmquist. Robert was raised and educated in Chicago and graduated from Calumet High School with the class of 1937. After high school he attended Wilson Junior College in Chicago until joining the US Army Aircorp, where he served as a second Lieutenant in the Pacific Theater of Operations from 1942 until 1946. Upon returning from military service Robert resumed his education at the University of Chicago Law School, graduating and being admitted to the Illinois Bar Association in 1948. On July 14, 1948 Robert married Mary Alice O'Connor in Chicago. After their marriage they settled in Morris, where they lived their entire married life. Robert joined the Law Firm of Root and Hoffman where he was a partner for 10 years. In 1958 Robert was elected to the bench where he served as a family court judge for 21 years. In 1979 Robert and his son Timothy formed the Law Firm of Malmquist and Malmquist. Robert retired in 1985 however remained of counsel to the firm of Malmquist and Geiger until his death. Robert was a Boy Scout and Sea Scout in his youth and continued to be actively involved in scouting for many years. He served as committee chairman of Cub Scout Pack 471 and Scout Master of Boy Scout Troop 471. Robert earned the Silver Beaver Award and during his tenure in scouting saw three of his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. Robert was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris, member and past president of the Morris Rotary Club, Lifetime member of the John Martin Steele VFW Post #6049 and the Morris American Legion Post #294, member and past president of the Grundy County Bar Association and member and past president of the Morris Country Club. Robert was a HAM Radio operator and involved in the Army MARS (Military Affiliate Radio Systems) Program during Vietnam. He enjoyed woodworking, making toys for his grandchildren, photography and golf.

Survivors include three sons: Robert W. Malmquist, Jr. of Lincoln, Nebraska, Dr. Peter (Bonnie) Malmquist of Anderson, South Carolina and Timothy (Linda) Malmquist of Morris. Six grandchildren: Kelly, Eric, Brian, Katherine, Kevin and Jennifer and several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

Robert was preceded in death by his son William in 1956, his parents, his wife Mary Alice in 2001 and one brother Arthur.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Thursday October 27, 2005 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (1 Block East of Illinois Route 47) in Morris. Funeral services will follow on Friday October 28, 2005 at 10:00AM in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris with a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated with Rev. Richard Smith officiating.

Burial with full military honors will follow in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Morris. Pallbearers will be: Eric Malmquist, Douglas Macdonald, Robert Geiger, Carl Johnson, Frank Black and John Peacock. Honorary Pallbearers will be: James Peacock, August Black and Dr. Hugo Avalos.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Robert's memory to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund 516 E. Jackson St., Morris, IL 60450 or Boy Scouts of America Rainbow Counsel, 1600 North Winterbottom Road, Morris, IL 6045