Robert Joseph Whistler Iii

Robert Joseph Whistler III, age 52, passed away on June 21, 2022, after a year of and a half of miracles. Beloved husband of Kelly Whistler nee Essem. Loving father of 8 children, aged 13 to 31 years old. Jessica (partner Josh), Stephen, Tylor, Nicole (partner Jarrid), Abby (partner Dan), Jake (partner Olivia), Niko, and Kayli. Proud grandfather of Nerah, Ryan, Raelynn, Jeremiah, and Charlie. Wonderful brother of La-Fée (Joe) Franks, James (partner Maritza) Walsted, and the late Tim (survived by Debbie) Whistler and brother-in-law of Ginger (Mark) and Eddie (Kelly). Cherished son of Robert Joseph Whistler Jr. and the late Karen Whistler, stepson of Tom Walsted, and son-in-law of Jerry (Mary) Essem and the late Kathy Essem. Treasured grandson of the late Dolores Seberg. Awesome uncle of Lorraine, Joey, Bella, Carmello, Joey, Gerry, Clare, Lily, and Charlotte. Dear cousin, nephew, and friend to many, especially Shaun (Stacey), and David (April). Rob was pridefully in the 4H club and has many ribbons for showing his rabbits. He went to Elgin High School and loved to drive his lifted trucks and Cameros and rocked a mullet well into adulthood. As an adult, he enjoyed connecting with others and networking and seemed to know everyone. He was known as a hard worker in the Laborers Union for 27 years (the majority of his life). Rob loved to fish, race cars and watch his sons race, camping, landscape his yard, decorate HUGE for Christmas, sit with others and talk about cars and reminisce about past experiences. Rob was a loving grandpa (papa) of 5. He could often be found chasing storms or checking out nearby accidents. He found peace in mowing the lawn with headphones on, listening to his favorite bands, Five Finger Death Punch, Pantera, Metallica, Iron Maiden, and country music. He had the amazing apt to fix cars, Kayli’s medical equipment, and remodeled a couple of our homes. He was a know it all, and usually did. Fortunately, we hold dear many memories of him that make us laugh, and brighten our days. He was a Christian, brought up in the Salvation Army church, and recently found complete trust in the Lord when facing Stage 4 T Cell Lymphoma and Stage 4 HLH disease and shock for a year and a half beyond the life expectancy. He was known for wearing jean shorts with tube socks and construction boots. He didn’t like to dress up, and for this reason we ask that guests attending his visitation/funeral dress casually. Bright orange or yellow (construction) shirts, Carhartt shirts, and construction boots preferred. 😉 We encourage those who know him to share stories to share at his service. If you would like someone else to read the fond memories, please send your story to his wife, Kelly, at kwhistler@live.com. Visitation will be held at Cardinal Funeral Home, 7715 W. Route 14, Crystal Lake, IL 60012 on Sunday, June 26, 2022 from 11AM-5PM. Funeral service will begin at 5PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the family would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements by Cardinal Funeral Home, 815-451-9040.