Robert F. Deja, 89, of Hoffman Estates, IL and Jensen Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 28, 2022. Bob was born on January 4, 1933, in Chicago, the son of Fred and Meta Deja. Bob was united in marriage to Barbara L. (Surkin) Deja on December 17th, 1955, for sixty-two years of love and adventures until her passing in 2018.
Always a cowboy, Bob loved singing and was seldom without his guitar. He and his horse, Copper, won the State of Illinois Western Horsemanship Finals in 1955 and, later in the 1990’s he was the winner of a quick draw competition. He loved his career as an auto repair mechanic and owned three service stations prior to his retirement in 1985. To fill his time, he became an RV Salesman until fully retiring in 1994. No adventure was too big or too small. He enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling, boating and motorhome escapades, always with family and often with friends in tow. Without fail, Bob had a smile on his face along with a kind word and perhaps a joke to share.
He was active in his community, serving as Commodore of the High Tide Yacht Club and President of the Men’s Club at Nettles Island, Florida. He was a member of the Men’s Chorus and a treasured volunteer at the Hibiscus Children’s Center in Florida and MiRPA in Cary, Illinois.
Bob is survived by three daughters, Linda Daro, Kim Niccolai and Gayle (Carl) Deja-Schultz; adored grandfather of Shawna, Meghan (Matt), Matthew (Sarah), Dylan, Jack, David, Michael, Katelyn and Emilee; and great-grandfather of Elliott, Eslee, Emmett and Elizabeth.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, his brother, Art, and his grand-daughter, Shawna.
Every child needs someone who will say, “Let’s go have an adventure…”
January 4, 1933 - June 28, 2022 
