Robert L. Waitkus, 71 of Sigel, passed away early Tuesday morning, May 20, 2014.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2014 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Friends may call after memorial services until 7:00 p.m., Thursday evening at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Alton Catholic Children's Home. www.bauerfh.com

Robert was born June 7, 1942 in Springfield, the son of Charles and Anna (Phillips) Waitkus. He married Joyce Eden on April 8, 1967 and she survives. Robert served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and was employed by World Color Press/ Quebecor World for over 25 years as a pressman.

Robert is survived by his wife, Joyce of Sigel; son, Michael (Lisa) of Effingham; daughter, Michelle (Scott) Schaefer of Sigel; brother, Barry (Deborah) of Springfield; four sisters, Martha (Richard) Harvill of Springfield, Gloria Buragas of Springfield, Mary Lou (Ray) Treuthart of Lincoln and Janet (Larry) Franklin of Mt. Sterling; sister-in-law, Georgia Waitkus of Center,TX and brother-in-law, Gerald Bull of Springfield; two grandchildren, Keleigh and Andrea "Andi" Schaefer.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents, George and Delors Thompson; brother, Charles; sister, Phyllis, and twin infant sisters, Marion Grace and Mary Elizabeth.