Robert Pauss, 92 of Addison. Beloved long-time partner of Arlene Micik. Cherished son of the late Joseph and Caroline Pauss. Dearest brother of Eleanor Henderson, Mary Ann Spina, the late Joseph and the late John (the late Josephine). Beloved uncle of Jolene (Ernesto), Linda, Karen (Tom), Randy (Andrea) and Ronny (Diana). Great uncle to Elisa, Pamela, Christina, Valerie, Melanie, Sean, Nicole, Paige, Grant and Noell. Great-great uncle of Cameron, Anna, Lily, Olivia and Noah. His most faithful sidekick and hunting partner was his German Shorthaired Pointer, Boots.

Bob was a hard worker and very proud of his 50-year membership in The Bricklayers’ Union. He not only had his own business building houses (getting his first building loan at the age of 19), but he also worked on many of Chicago’s iconic buildings, such as the John Hancock and Marina City Towers. He loved being outside and was a master bricklayer and stonemason. For several years, and in partnership with his brother, John, he bought Pauss’ tavern from his father and ran that for many years. After that, he returned to building houses. Bob and his father built a “cottage” on Lake Wisconsin, right outside of Lodi on about a 75-foot cliff overlooking the lake. “Cottage” is a relative word. Let’s just say that if ever an atomic bomb dropped right on it, it will still be standing. Solid cement block with a 2 ½ inch layer of Wisconsin limestone overlay. Bob absolutely loved that place and spent a lot of time there (and in Florida) after he retired. He loved gardening and his tomatoes, especially when they were on a hamburger!

Bob had a marvelous and very quick sense of humor. He could make everyone laugh and he ALWAYS had a smile for everyone he passed by or met. He was kind and generous to a fault and welcoming to all. The last year of his life, Bob was at Wynscape Skilled Care, where he was not only so well taken care of but also loved by the staff. He thanked everyone for every little thing they did, whether it was cleaning his room, changing the sheets, wheeling him back and forth to the dining room, or even for a 5-minute visit just to say hello. He flirted with all the aides and nurses and joked and talked sports with the male staff. He always asked how they were and how their families were. One of his therapists wrote, … Bob “was the best part of my day, never failing to make me smile…. Last Thursday, I asked what song he’d like to listen to, and he chose “Little Green Apples”, the Frank Sinatra version, of course. . .. Afterwards, I looked into the meaning of the song, and it’s said to reflect the small, everyday miracles of life and love. I can’t think of more perfect song to remind me of Bobby’s unconditional love for his family and everyone who was lucky enough to know him. He lived such a beautiful life. He is and will always be remembered by me and so many who were lucky to have known and loved him.” All of his family members agree wholeheartedly!

Bob was an avid outdoorsman who greatly enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling the world. From Canadian fishing trips, canoeing in Wisconsin, boating (hydroplane and power), deer and elk hunting in Wyoming, pheasant and quail hunting, water skiing, and snow skiing (he jumped off a ski jump the first time he was on skis!) - he loved it all. He even had a Harley motorcycle for a short while. He especially liked hiking and all things outdoors. In these later years, he still loved going to the forest preserves or seeing the elk in Elk Grove Village. Picnics were another favorite. He loved the Chicago White Sox and was a faithful Bears fan. He got an early Christmas present of a long-sleeved Bears shirt from his great nephew, Grant, last week and he was supposed to wear it this past Sunday for the Bears game. He was not able to wear it then, as he was already cheering them on from heaven, so he is wearing it now, celebrating their win. Maybe he was right - he said the shirt would bring them luck!

Bob started travelling as a young man, driving to Florida, Acapulco and the West in his early twenties. He even went to Cuba in 1958 or 59! He began his European travels in 1960, doing the “grand tour” and visiting his parents’ homeland of Austria. He traveled to Europe many times with the Windy City Ski Club and skied all over Europe --- Davos, Switzerland; Kitzbühel, Austria; France: Voss, Norway (his favorite in Europe) and more --- and all over the West --- Aspen, Vail, plus many more, especially Alta, Utah (his favorite in the U.S.)

After he retired, he bought a travel trailer and travelled all over the US and Canada. He and Mickie (Arlene) did a lot of hiking, as the really wild stuff had passed. He was a huge fan of the national parks and all wildlife, and he and Mickie loved exploring while still fishing and canoeing.

Bob was the best brother, partner, uncle, friend, client, EVER. There are no words to express how much he will be missed, which would only be surpassed by how much he was and is loved.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 9-10 AM at Humes Funeral Home, 320 W. Lake St., Addison (2 Mi. E. of Rt. 83, 2 Mi. W. of Rt. 53). Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 AM at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Wood Dale. Interment Irving Park Cemetery, Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the National Park Foundation or the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation are greatly appreciated.