Robert J. Jahraus

Bob Jahraus, 73, of Aurora lost his courageous battle against pancreatic cancer peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday May 29, 2018. He was born in Eureka, SD on July 6, 1944, the son of Henry and Ida (Schumacher) Jahraus. Bob grew up on a family farm located on the border of North and South Dakota.

He graduated from Zeeland High School in 1961. Bob then joined the Navy and proudly served his country for four years. In January of 1966 he moved to Chicago and began his 41-year career. Originally with North Central Airlines, which became Republic Airlines and then Northwest Airlines. In 1966, Bob met his wife, Shirleen. They were married on April 27, 1968. They lived in Chicago until 1978 when they moved to Aurora, CO where they have resided ever since. He was blessed with two children and five grandchildren.

Bob was proud of where he was born and raised, and his Germans from Russia heritage. Growing up on a farm wasn't easy, but he was quick to share stories of the good times. How he really enjoyed riding horses, either to his country school, or on Sunday afternoons with neighbor kids riding from farm to farm.

Bob was a die-hard Cubs fan. He loved and followed the Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, but the Cubs were his passion. If the Cubs were playing, he was either watching or listening to the game. He was fortunate to be with family to watch his favorite sports team finally win the World Series in 2016. His joy and shock that the Cubs finally won was immeasurable.

Bob is known and remembered to have never backed away from hard work. He was never afraid to get his hands dirty. It started for him on the farm, and it lasted his whole life. He was a do it yourself man. He wasn't a trained mechanic, but fixing his vehicles was something he always did himself. From simple oil changes to brake jobs, or even a head gasket, it was all being done by Bob in his garage. Bob always did everything himself. Painting his house, or installing new windows, and even replacing the roof, no job was too big for him to tackle. He took pride in doing it. What satisfied him the most was working with wood. He built many things over the years including a red firetruck bed and a hutch for his son's desk, a canopy bed, and custom bookcase for his daughter's dorm, as well as a backyard shed he made completely from scrap materials he saved over the years to name a few.

Bob also loved to travel. While his children were young, as a family they traveled throughout the US, hitting nearly every major tourist attraction. His passion for travel and his family's genealogy motivated him to travel frequently to Europe. He was most honored to visit Ilbesheim, Germany where his Jahraus ancestors last resided, the Normandy American Cemetery to visit his Uncle's gravesite, and attending several Christmas Markets in Germany.

Bob had many passions in life, but he was most passionate about his family and his strong faith. He was an active member of Peace with Christ Lutheran Church. When it came to family, Bob was never further than a phone call away to his two children even though they were separated by thousands of miles. Whether it was something needing to be fixed or built in Minneapolis, MN or a full-time nanny to his grandchildren in Albany, NY, he was always happy to save the day. Bob cherished his five granddaughters. He would travel the country to watch dance recitals, soccer games, gymnastics, and many, many softball games. If his grandchildren were participating in something, he'd be there supporting them.

We are all so very fortunate to have known this wonderful man we called, husband, dad, grandpa, brother, friend, neighbor, and shipmate. He will be greatly and forever missed.

Bob is preceded in death by his father, Henry, and mother, Ida. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirleen, two children: Kevin (Susan), and Carrie (Jeffrey) Carsello, five granddaughters: Ashley, Kaitlyn, Amanda, Emily, and Samantha, and two brothers: John and Bruce. Visitation with the family Saturday June 9, 1pm. Memorial Service 2pm. Peace With Christ Lutheran Church, Aurora. We welcome your memories of Bob.

Donations are suggested in Robert's memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266, https://www.pancan.org.

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