Robert “Bob” Bartholomew

C. Robert “Digger” Bartholomew, 85 of Valparaiso, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2007 peacefully at his home. Bob was born December 19, 1921 in Valparaiso, to Charles L. “Doc” and Louise (Bannister) Bartholomew. His father served as mayor of Valparaiso from 1935-1944. When Bob returned to Valparaiso from the Navy after WWII, in 1949, he joined his father in the family Funeral Home business of C.W. Bartholomew & Son. Bob ran the Funeral Home until 1997, when he retired. He was still active in the funeral home until his death. Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a Life member of the American Legion Charles Pratt Post 94, a Life member of the VFW Post 988, a Life member of the Moose Lodge 1357, a Life member of the Eagles Lodge 2517 and a Life member of the B.P.O. Elks Lodge #500. Bob was a 50 year member of the Orak Shrine and a member of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of South Bend, a member of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association. Bob married Irene F. Borkowski, on September 29, 1943 she preceded him in death June 14, 1994. Surviving are four children, Charles Michael Bartholomew of Chesterton, Robin Dale Bartholomew of Valparaiso, Stephen P. and Robin Bartholomew of Valparaiso and John and Sharon Bartholomew of Indianapolis and five grandchildren, Mary, Bobby, Joey, Rachel and Stephen.

Since I could not attend Bob’s funeral I wrote a note to his one son John about a memory I had of his dad that I have never forgotten. His dad was a very special and giving person. I will never forget his kindness.

Dear John,

Forty-one years ago I met your dad. The situation was not good on how I met him because it was when my brother had just passed away. My mom and dad took me to the funeral home to help pick out the casket, etc. Only being 8 years old then it was hard to really understand. At the end of the first night of visitation – we had two nights back then – my mom said that I could kiss my brother good night. Unfortunately no one told me that he would be cold. I started crying and was so upset and I sat on the floor holding on to the casket and said that I was going to spend the night there. The next thing I knew your dad’s hand was on my shoulder. He told me that he understood that I wanted to stay there but that he would take care of Geoff and he would be there the next day when we came back. He let me stay there with him for about 15 minutes and then asked if I was ready to leave. I said yes. Your dad was so compassionate and understanding that it made my first funeral easier on me. He was also wonderful for my parents, Bob and Marcy Smith. I will never forget your dad; it seems like yesterday that I went through this loss. However since then, I have lost all of my family, my brother, parents, and all my grandparents. Every time that we have been to the funeral home it just reminded me of all of the other funerals that we had there. But I also remember the kindness of your dad. It seemed strange when my mom passed in 2004 that your dad was not there taking care of things because he was with everyone else.

Then of course I knew your dad from a different side when we dated. He was always very kind and gracious to me then too. I could not believe that he remembered me from Geoff’s death and my parents. That just floored me that he would remember me. I just had to tell you that your dad meant a lot to me and helped me through a lot of times that were difficult, especially Geoff’s death.

I am so sorry for your loss; I know what it is like to lose both your parents. It is strange but you kind of feel like an orphan. I am sorry that I can not be there for your dad’s visitation in person, but I will be there in my thoughts and in my heart. If I was living in Valpo I would have been there in a heartbeat. I hope that you know how much I wanted to be there to show my love for your dad and my sympathy to you all. I feel guilty that I can not be there, and if my situation would have been different I would have been. You have our sincerest sympathies.

Nancy, Dennis and Joshua Rodgers