Robert "Bob" E. Ingraham

On February 22, 2021, Robert “Bob” Ingraham slipped peacefully away surrounded by his beloved children and grandchildren after a courageous five-month battle with glioblastoma. 

Bob was born on June 17, 1951 in Aurora, Illinois. He attended St. Peter’s Grade School and Marmion Military Academy before entering St. Meinrad Seminary. He received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Southern Illinois University, his master’s degree in psychology from Roosevelt University and his doctoral degree from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. His career spanned over thirty years serving students and families as a school psychologist at Palatine High School in School District 211. 

Upon retiring from Palatine High School in 2011, Bob’s tireless commitment to serving others found a new outlet through his work with Excel Beyond 211. This nonprofit organization supports low income and first generation college students as they navigate the academic, financial and emotional challenges that post-secondary education presents. A first generation college student himself, Bob trained volunteer mentors and served as a mentor himself. 

Bob’s only greater love than his work was his family. His happiest moments were spent with his grandchildren- going on bike rides, indulging in extra large ice cream sundaes, or exploring county fairs in the summer. He loved mowing lawns, long bike rides on hot summer days, and falling asleep watching television on the couch. He’ll be missed for his impish grin, quick wit, and wise words of advice. His selflessness knew no bounds, and he would and often did help strangers as if they were lifelong friends.

Bob’s parents, Eugene and Dorothy (Frieders) Ingraham, preceded him in death and surely await his return to their loving arms. He is survived by his wife Kathryn (Michels) Ingraham, children Leah (Ingraham) Romaine, Angie Ingraham, and Ben Ingraham, his two children by marriage Ted Romaine and Jamie Titen, his five beloved grandchildren Hudson, Maddie, Birile, Debritu and Ethan, his ten brothers and sisters and countless nieces, nephews and extended family members. 

Family will receive guests on Thursday, February 25, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S. Broadway Ave. Montgomery, IL 60538. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021 at 10:00 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church 310 S. Wheaton Ave. Wheaton, IL 60187. Entombment will follow at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery, Aurora, IL. A celebration of life will be planned after the pandemic with details to follow. 

Due to current restrictions, a limited number of guests are allowed in the chapel at a time. Face masks and social distancing are required.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Bob’s name to support Excel Beyond 211: Dollars for Scholars https://excelbeyond211.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?section=chapterWebsite&action=main&fwID=2259.