Robert Joseph Raczka, 83, of Des Plaines, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 18, 2023 succumbing to complications from Pulmonary Fibrosis. Affectionately known as Buddy by close friends and family, Bob was born on July 24, 1940 in Chicago to Frank and Margaret Raczka, and had three older brothers: Ben, Ed and Frank. He was married to Penny (nee Reet) for 13 years, then Joy (nee Withey) for 35 years. Bob attended Carl Schurz High School and Wright Junior College. He began his lengthy retirement in 1990 after a 30-year career with Illinois Bell/AT&T. Bob was a skilled woodworker who loved to make toys for his grandchildren every Christmas. He was also an avid vegetable gardener, a collector of antique radios, an aficionado of old time radio programs, a collector of pre-1950 Popular Mechanics magazines, and the proud owner of a two-toned, 4-door 1958 Plymouth Savoy. In his later years, Bob and his wife, Joy, were active members of First United Methodist Church in Des Plaines. Right out of high school, in 1958, he served for six months in the Army, then another 7.5 years in the Army Reserves. Bob is survived by his four sons Bob (Amy), Bill, Brian, and Brad (Tara); nine grandchildren; and two brothers, Ed and Frank. Visitation on Friday, November 24, 2023, beginning at 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at G. L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016. A memorial service and reception will be taking place on Saturday, November 25, 2023 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Des Plaines, 668 Graceland Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60016. For information please call the funeral home at (847) 699-9003.

To view a livestream of Robert's services on Saturday, please visit the home page of First United Methodist Church here: https://www.fumcdp.org/ . The livestream will begin at 11:00 am.