Robert Lee Shoemaker
Robert “Bob” Shoemaker passed away peacefully on April 13, 2024, at the age of 82. Measure Twice - Cut Once; the craftsman’s credo rang true in Bob’s heart. Balance, simplicity and integrity were reflected in all facets of his life. A master craftsman, a restorer of classic cars, a World War II buff, a voracious reader, an arm-chair historian, a Japanese gardener, and a closet performer; he sang along with Paul Simon and Three Dog Night as he danced through the house partnered with an old Hoover vacuum, too heavy for anyone else to operate. He shared his infectious sense of humor with abandon, making us laugh at the most unlikely things. His devotion to his family was boundless as was his loyalty to his friends. Ever at the ready to take on a bully, he guarded his family, his friends, his neighbors and offered a hand to strangers in need. The world felt safer, and we all felt better when Bob was around. The people whose lives he touched came away with the same sentiment: there’s something about Bob. His world-class furniture and cabinetry can be found throughout the homes in his community and cities beyond and remain as a testament to his uniquely beautiful artistry.
Bob’s profound love for animals dominated his worldview. In the early 1960’s, he worked briefly for Argonne National Laboratory caring for the irradiated Beagles. For Bob, the job was instantly untenable. He told the story of opening the kennels and making a freedom dash through the parking lot with a Beagle in each arm and a pack hot on his heels. In truth, he resigned and carried a lifelong ache in his heart that he couldn’t save the Beagles. Bob joined Midwestern Gas Transmission Company (Tenneco) as a pipeline gas dispatcher in the late 1960’s. He rose to the position of Pipeline Superintendent where he remained until his retirement.
Bob grew up on the south side of Joliet immersed in the Slovak tradition. He graduated from JTHS Central in 1959 and went on to study at Joliet Junior College and North Central College in Naperville.
He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Potenziani; his daughters, Kristin (Mike) Shoemaker-Papp, Trina Shoemaker (Grayson Capps), Erika (Leroy) Ellis; his grandchildren, Waylon Capps, Zoe Ellis, Ty Ellis and Cheyenne Ellis; his sisters, Paula (the late Mick) Gardner and Denise Thiel (née Shoemaker); and all of his loving extended family, friends and neighbors.
He is preceded by his father, Paul Shoemaker; his mother, Clara Shoemaker (née Mores); his sister, Carol (Jim) Shoemaker-Saif; and his former wife (the mother of his daughters), Kathleen “Kate” Keating-Elms.
As was his request, cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on May 11, 2024, from 1pm to 5pm at Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home, 1500 Black Road, Joliet, IL. Remembrances will be shared at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, in accordance with his wishes, contributions to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or the ASPCA at https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial would be appreciated. For more information, please visit his Memorial Tribute at www.bgsfuneralhome.com.
