Age 81 passed away Saturday morning in his O'Fallon home, surrounded by his loving family. Robert was born July 31, 1925 in Chicago. He was a World War II veteran of the US Army Air Corp, serving as a B-17, B-24 and B-29 tail gunner. After his military service, he attended The American Television Institute, Chicago, earning his BS in Television Engineering. He married his beloved wife, Constance Williams on April 16, 1945 in Ardmore, Okla. He was employed as an Investigator with Equifax, working to investigate personnel selections, insurance and securities. He retired from Equifax after 30 years of employment. The Erlinghagens were among the founding families of the community of Park Forest, Ill. and charter members of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Park Forest, Ill. He was a long time resident there, moving to O'Fallon 8 years ago. He was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church and Yesterday's Kids. Bob was a true family man, who was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He was a good listener, careful to not judge others. He loved his dogs, and enjoyed a nice car ride. His family admired him, for he was an exceptionally good man and hard worker.

He is survived by his wife Constance (nee Williams) Erlinghagen; son Robert (Herlinda) Erlinghagen of O'Fallon; daughters, Marianne (David) Troscinski of Oswego, Ill.; and Karen (William) Hoffman of Palatine, Ill.; seven grandchildren: Erin (Brent) Lightfoot, William Hoffman, Robert W. Erlinghagen, II, Jessica Erlinghagen, Elyse Troscinski, Rachel Hoffman, and Michael Hoffman; and brother Walter F. Erlinghagen of Chicago.

Mr. Erlinghagen was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary (nee Esswein) Erlinghagen and his sister in infancy.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Monday, March 5, 2007 and from 9:30 – 10:30 am, Tuesday, March 6, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O'Fallon. A Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 pm, Monday. Yesterday's Kids will conduct a walk-through at 6:30 pm Monday at the church.

Funeral Service: Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, O'Fallon, with Monsignor William Hitpas presiding.

Interment will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, with military honors.
Memorial Donations are requested in the form of Masses.