The Memorial Wall

A man’s man and a coach’s coach.

That was Bob Monken, in the words of one of his peers.

The hall of fame Lake Park High School football coach and 57-year Wheaton resident died Sunday at 86 from Parkinson’s disease, a little over a year after his wife of 61 years, Jo Ellen, died in May 2023.

“I feel like I am incredibly lucky to have him as my father. He was a great example of how to be a husband, father, and a man,” said Ted Monken, one of their three sons, all football coaches.

Bob Monken, 86, and his brothers Glenn, Mike, Bill and Jim all are in the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Twelve Monkens have coached high school, college or professional football, including Bob’s son, Todd, offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, and nephew, Jeff, Army’s head coach.

Ted Monken said his father taught the same lessons at home as he did on the football field.

“He was the same person for all his players as he was to his sons,” said Ted Monken, Glenbard South’s defensive coordinator. “Tough but fair. He prepared all his ‘sons’ to be successful in life. Not at that particular moment, but for the rest of our lives.

“The number of messages I have received the past few days from former players, coaches, and friends has been humbling,” he said.

Lake Park's career football victories leader, Bob Monken went 151-112 with the Lancers from 1964-93, winning conference championships in three decades.

He also was Lake Park's first department chair of physical education and briefly served as athletic director.

“I love the guy, and he’ll be missed tremendously. He had a lot of impact on my life, and I know he did on a lot of others,” said former Lake Park Principal Marty Quinn, who successfully pushed for Lake Park’s West Campus football stadium to be dedicated as Bob Monken Field. That happened last October.

When Quinn informed Bob Monken’s former players of his death, they were “devastated,” Quinn said.

“Education and academics came first to Bob regardless of the 32 years (two as assistant at Lake Park) he was as a coach. He got that in the minds of his players, that the academics come first,” Quinn said.

“I think that was something all of us appreciated about Bob. It wasn’t just about football, it was about developing the character of your players. There’s life after football.”

Yes, there is. For Monken there was also grandchildren, travel and golf. He was part of a group of retired football coaches, dubbed the Coach’s Tour, who continue to play on Thursday mornings.

Retired Oak Park-River Forest head coach and Downers Grove South assistant Jack McInerney has led the Coach’s Tour for two decades, enlisting coaches such as Joe Petricca, Paul Murphy, Jim Covert, Larry McKeown, Joe Bunge, Ken Schreiner, the late Bob MacDougall and others.

Even with Parkinson’s, Monken came to the course until about a year ago, McInerney said. In his heyday he was among the group’s top players.

“He was a man’s man and a coach’s coach. He always had great stories, a terrific personality. He was just a lot of fun to be around,” McInerney said.

“It’s a big loss for all of us because he was in our group initially and everybody liked him, everybody knew him. Guys like that don’t come around that often,” he said.

“When it is my time,” Ted Monken said, “if a fraction of people remember me the way so many remember Dad, I will have a life well-served.”

On January 2nd, 2023 Robert Natapow joined his beloved wife of 52 years Kathleen in eternal rest. Lovingly known as Daddo, Robert’s charm and quick wit always put everyone at ease. He had an easy smile, twinkle in his eye and a great laugh, along with his signature one liners. Robert loved golfing with his buddies at The Vintage and La Jolla Country Clubs, and even managed to have 2 hole-in-ones in his lifetime! In his earlier years he loved skiing, especially at Deer Valley, UT. Kathleen and Robert travelled extensively and enjoyed countless adventures with their close friends.

Born in Rochester, New York on January 27th, 1940 Robert "Bobby" Natapow was the eldest child of Ruben and Jean Natapow. Robert and his brother Stephen became business partners, and respected real estate developers in the Upstate New York area. Over more than 60 years they expanded their real estate management and development business to multiple states, with many successful partnerships, perhaps most notably with his lifelong best friend Bob Gordon.

Robert and Kathleen began their life together in Rochester, NY and shared many spectacular homes over their 52 years of marriage. After Rochester they moved to Boca Raton and Gulfstream, Florida. The lure of friends and skiing (for Bob!) drew them next to Park City, Utah. Having their fill of the cold, they finally settled in Palm Desert and San Diego, California.

Robert is survived by his two younger siblings, Susie Deblase and Stephen Natapow and his children Jeffrey (Devon) Natapow and Lisa (Timothy) Grohman. His love for his kids was deeply evident but perhaps second only to the love he showered upon his four grandsons. Jack and Tanner Natapow and Bo and Jamie Grohman were Robert’s absolute pride and joy. They would always lift his spirits, especially after losing his precious Kathleen just over a year ago.

A special thank you goes out to all who cared for him, especially Kim Gibbons who became like a second daughter to Robert. Also, we are grateful to Angie, Sharon, Maura, Sandra, Zarin, Karla, and Heaven who gave Dad comfort, companionship and joy this past year.

David Brian Krogh, 70, died Aug 19, 2024 in Coralville, from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

He was born May 27, 1954 in Iowa City to Ernie & Charlotte (Colson) Krogh. He grew up on a farm, started school in Lone Tree, graduated from West Branch and then attended Iowa Automotive and Diesel School in Cedar Rapids. He worked a number of different jobs, including doing concrete work, being a mechanic, managing a gas station, managing a bus barn and driving a school bus. Dave said he carried the world’s most precious cargo on his bus. He was hard working, fun, honest and helpful.

Dave married the love of his life, Karen Heaton Lockwood, in 2012 and they enjoyed living in Marion and San Antonio, TX. He loved his dogs, the San Antonio Spurs, Iowa Hawkeyes, Dale Earnhardt, NASCAR and being “Papa”.

He is survived by his daughters, Kara Merritts and Shana (Keith) Cook; grandchildren, Keagan Merritts, Samuel Cook, Tristan Cook, Jayden Cook and Autumn Cook; siblings, Cindy Krogh and Ed (Suzanne) Krogh; nieces and nephew, Jennifer Wang, Mike (Kelly) Krogh, and Jessica (Brett) Becker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Karen and his nephew C. J. Karr.

Larry L. Melton died after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s on August 19,2024 in Odessa,Texas.

Larry was born in Chickasha, Oklahoma on July 17, 1938, to Yvonne & Leon Melton. After graduating from Odessa High School in 1956 he married the love of his life, J’Nevelyn Williams Melton on September 3, 1960. They were blessed with a loving family: his daughter and son-in-law Julie and Steve Porter, son and daughter-in-law Jeff and Becky Melton; grandchildren Tory and David Krawczynski, Alison and Denver Pradon, Nash and Katie Porter, John Melton and Cate Melton; and six great-grandchildren: Wyatt, Campbell, Dax, Wells, Porter, and Trey. He was also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Margo and Powell Campbell, sister-in-law, Cindy Pass and numerous nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Texas Tech University with a double major in Industrial Engineering and Math, he served as a Lieutenant in the Army. He was stationed in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and was discharged as a Captain. After a brief career in oil and gas, he went on to an extended career in banking and accounting. His true passion, however, was serving his community by involvement in various leadership and civic organizations. Larry was awarded various recognitions, including Odessa’s Outstanding Citizen, Heritage of Odessa Foundation Community Service, Boy Scouts Man-of-the-Year, Best of the Permian Basin, the Rotary Wall of Fame, Odessa’s Outstanding Young Man, and the Bill Elms United Way Award, to name a few. Serving on the Medical Center Health System Foundation Board was one of his proudest moments, as he served alongside his granddaughter, Alison.

He found his true calling as an Odessa City Councilman followed by 11 years as the Mayor of Odessa. He stepped down as the city's longest serving mayor. Known as an incredible public speaker, he gave 864 speeches during his tenure as mayor. He often joked that he and J’Nevelyn ate more banquet chicken dinners than humanly possible. During his final interview as mayor, he said that he was most proud of being able to renegotiate the contract with the Colorado River Municipal Water District, leaving Odessa independent to find their own water source. Larry also was known for the “Melton Clap” – one clap to recognize greatness. Please join us in giving him one clap for a life well lived.

Actress Barbara 'Babs' Wheelton has died aged 93 following a battle with Parkinson's disease. The beloved star, who was born in London in 1931 and later moved to Australia, appeared in a string of iconic TV shows in the 60s and 70s.

She was known for playing three different characters in Australian drama Prisoner, also known as Prisoner: Cell Block H, which broadcast from 1979 to 1986. She also starred in hits including The Sullivans, Cop Shop and Homicide. Her family confirmed her death in an obituary published in The Age. It read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Barbara (Babs) Wheelton on Sunday 18th August 2024.

"Dearly loved by her family, their spouses, partners and all extended family and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fight Parkinson's Victoria."

Barbara is survived by children Simon, Stephanie and Paul, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held on Monday, 26 August, in Melbourne, followed by a private cremation.

In a touching tribute, her niece Linda wrote: "In loving memory of my Auntie B and great Auntie to Christian and Ashton. We may have lived far apart but you were always close in my thoughts and heart.

"Our holidays to Melbourne won’t be the same without seeing you. We loved hearing your stories as much as you loved hearing ours. You will be dearly missed but we will hold on tight to the wonderful memories we have of you.

"Deepest Sympathy to Simon, Stephanie and Don, Paul and Angela and families. Until we meet again, Love Linda, Vaughn, Christian and Ashton Favazzo."

Fans also took to social media to pay tribute. One wrote: "She was a great actress in all the tv shows she was in over the years," while another said: "She played some great characters. Funny she got to play Judy’s neighbour in two separate roles. RIP."

Someone else commented: "Rest peacefully," and a fourth added: "I've recently seen her as Mrs. Burke. That's sad. RIP."

"Rip lovely lady," said another, while someone else commented: "God bless." Other comments read: "Such sad news another great gone. Rest in peace Babs," and: "Rest easy my love."

During her career, Barbara worked alongside Australian performers including Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, Michael Caton and Noni Hazlehurst. As well as acting, she also appeared in radio dramas and was a published short story writer.