Robert John Wahlfeldt

Robert John Wahlfeldt, 82, of Danville, for the majority of his life and of Champaign-Urbana since 2004, passed away at 10:10am Wednesday, March 26, 2008. He was born June 7, 1925 in Danville, the son of Ernest John and Anna Guth Wahlfeldt. Robert married Alice Eldridge, of Oakwood, on March 16, 1946. She preceded him in death on December 22, 1994. Survivors include his three daughters, Jan ( Durl) Kruse of Urbana, Carol Hollowell of Pewaukee, WI, and Kathy (Mike) Walker of Danville. Other survivors include six grandchildren, Meridith and Jamie Kruse, Jacob and Alyssa Hollowell and Rachel and Allen Walker, as well as many honorary grandchildren. Robert is survived by 5 siblings: Ernestine Burris, Richard (Clarice) Wahlfeldt, Dorthy Alexander, Norma Jean Holycross and Evelyn (Harold) Nolen. Many friends and family, including several sisters in law, cousins, nieces, and nephews will remember him with love. He will be missed by his loyal companion, Crowdog. Robert was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Anna (Guth) Wahlfeldt, grandparents Ludwig and Henrietta Wahlfeldt, sisters Martha Ann Wahlfeldt and Ruth Ellen Ashby as well as several sisters and brothers in law. Robert was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Danville and most recently a member of Friendship Lutheran Church of Joy in Champaign. He enjoyed listening to jazz, reading, studying Native American Culture, community and political activism, and spending time with family and friends. Robert was an honorary 2002 Danville High graduate. He had several jobs during his life, which included work at the C. & E. I. Railroad, Berkeley Equipment, Allith Prouty, and Chuckles Candy. From 1960-1985, he worked at the V.A. Hospital as a machinist and later as the Maintenance Scheduler. He was an active member of A.F.G.E. local 1963 throughout his career. Robert served his community and church in many ways. He coached both youth football and basketball. At Trinity he served as Dean of Elders, Usher, Superintendent of Sunday School, and served on many other committees. In 1970, he was appointed to the Danville Human Relations Commission for the City of Danville. 1980-82 he served on Danvilles Police Advisory training Board. During the 1980s he served on the V. A. Hospitals E.E.O. Committee. After retirement, he tutored children with disabilities as a volunteer of the Golden Kiwanis. Other memberships and affiliations include the following: Federal Employees Political Action Committee; Vermilion Co. Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO; Community Services Commission training programs and annual blood drives; Board of Directors of the Danville Area Community Council.; the Illinois State Council of Senior Citizens; and the local Disaster Action Team for the American Red Cross. Robert actively campaigned for local and state Democratic candidates. He was instrumental in forming a group SOIL (Save our Indian Lore) and helped commemorate the March of Death of Native People in a memorial at Ellsworth Park. In 1991, he received Disaster Volunteer of the Year Award from the State of Illinois in recognition of his work for the Red Cross. Also in 1991, he received the Vermilion Co. Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, Volunteer of the Year Award and was selected as the Grand Marshall of the Labor Day Parade. In 1992, he was awarded the Robert G. Gibson Community Service Award. He remained a member of NARFE. In 2004, at age 79, Robert relocated to Champaign-Urbana. He spent the last four years continuing his life long work for human rights, civil rights, labor organizing and work for peace and justice. In Champaign-Urbana he was an active member of AWARE ( Anti- War Anti- Racism Effort) Socialist Forum, Jobs with Justice, CU Citizens for Peace and Justice, Court Watch and the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World). Robert was a WWII Veteran for Peace. He was the 2007 honoree at the Champaign-Urbana Community Unity March. Robert was a long time human rights advocate and an inspiration to all. A celebration of Roberts life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday March 29, 2008 at Sunsets Community & Life Tribute Center, 3550 N. Vermilion Street, Danville. Rev. Linda Weber will officiate. Burial following at the Lutheran Cemetery with Rev. Brian Pape conducting the committal. Visitation of family and friends is from 10:00am until time of service at 2:00 at the Tribute Center. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com The family requests that memorials be made to CU Citizens for Peace and Justice in honor of Robert. Please send to the attention of Durl Kruse, 2007 George Huff Drive, Urbana,IL 61801