Published on May 2, 2025 6:22 am
Last Updated on May 2, 2025 6:27 am
Robert Edward Wolters, Sr, 81, formerly a long-term resident of Effingham, IL died peacefully at his home in Jupiter, FL onApril 29, 2025.
Born on June 17, 1943, to Richard and Agnes Wolters, he had four siblings: Arlene Pals (husband Rick), Jim Wolters (wife Cookie), Dolores Gonzales (husband Ric), and Tom Wolters (wife Ann). Bob had a very close relationship with his siblings and their spouses.
Bob’s 30-year career with Amoco Chemicals sent him overseas for nearly 19 years as VP of Finance for their international joint ventures. He spent 7 years in Spain and 12 years in Taiwan. He set the commodity world price for paraxylene in the production of polyester fiber. After his retirement from Amoco, he was retained by Mitsui Japan and became known as the American Shogun.
He and his family traveled extensively throughout the world, both during and after his career. He loved golfing, hunting, and international cuisine. He was revered as a father, husband, brother, and grandfather. He was a true American patriot and was never without a flag pin on his shirt.
Bob is survived by his wife, Karen Althoff Wolters, his son, Robert Jr., his daughter-in-law, Danielle, and three granddaughters, Alexandra, Caroline, and Katherine. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Cookie, his sister Arlene, and his son, Ryan Althoff Wolters, who died of leukemia. The bridge on the TREC trail in Effingham, known as ‘Ryan’s Crossing,’ was erected in dedication to Ryan and is known as ‘Ryan’s Crossing.’
Bob and Karen celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage last June. Their 50th wedding anniversary party was held at their home in Steamboat Springs, CO, and was attended by many friends and relatives from Effingham and worldwide.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:30 am Saturday, May 10, 2025 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Anthony Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at 1:30 pm at Wheat Penny in Effingham. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Leukemia Society (https://givenow.lls.org/give/342076) or the Effingham County Humane Society- IL (https://effinghamcountyhumanesociety.org/donate/).