Obituary of Robert C. Alm

Robert C. Alm, 94, of 530 Weeks Street died Thursday, April 13th, 2017. Bob passed away in the same home he built for his family 67 years ago. With family and care givers by his side, he died peacefully resting in his favorite chair listening to a favorite hymn. A Jamestown native, he was born August 31st, 1922, the son of Carl and Hilda Anderson Alm. He was a 1940 graduate of Jamestown High School. Following high school, Bob served in the US Army in Europe during WWII in the 15th Special Service Company. Upon returning from the service Bob worked as a printer apprentice for THE SUN newspaper in Jamestown and Erie. For nearly two years he built his house during the day and worked the night shift at the newspaper. Bob then worked for the Kendall Refining Co. for 36 years as a sales representative until his retirement in 1988. He was preceded in death (2006) by his wife of 60 years, Lillian Eckroth Alm, whom he married on June 22nd, 1946 and also by a daughter (2008), Cheryl Alm Day. Surviving are two sons, Steven R. Alm (Karen) of Wakefield, RI and Thomas G. Alm of Evanston, IL; as well as two grandchildren, Jenny Marie Alm and John Robert Alm, both of Wakefield, RI. If you asked Bob what he enjoyed doing during his lifetime, his list would be a long one. Topping the list were trips taken with Lillian followed by time spent with his children and grandchildren. He was a proud and loving husband, father and grandfather. Growing up Bob played tennis and basketball and continued to stay active well into his eighties. For years he joined his fellow "Morning Maniacs" at the gym at JCC for daily work outs and even got a hole in one at the age of 80 while golfing at South Hills. He continued to take daily walks around his neighborhood into his nineties, even though his vision had diminished. Another favorite pastime of his was gardening. Bob grew up shadowing his grandfather who, after moving here from Antrim, PA, made his living as a gardener. He grew to love gardening and still got excited year after year when it was time to start his plants from seed and fill up all the basement windows with pots. Music was another love of Bob's. He sang with the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church choir, where he was a member, and sang with the Viking Male Chorus for 50 years. Bob served as the Master of Ceremonies at many of the Viking Chorus performances where he shared his quick wit and perfect sense of timing when telling jokes. Bob maintained his sense of humor throughout his long life. He enjoyed attending local concerts and musical performance as often as he could. Up until two years ago he would join fellow JHS Class of 1940 graduates for lunch once a week. As recently as a month ago, Bob could be seen out for breakfast with dear friends after attending church on Sunday mornings. It had become the highlight of his week. In addition to these activities Bob was a proud member of the American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation, the Viking Ingjald Lodge No. 65, and the Lakewood Memorial Post No. 1286 American Legion. Bob Alm will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He appreciated everything he had in this life and was truly thankful for any kindness or aid anyone showed him. Every single night, right up until his final days, Bob would thank God for his blessings and ask Him to continue watching over his children and grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, May 13th, 2017 at 10:30 A.M. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located at 825 Forest Avenue in Jamestown. Friends will be received by the family at the church beginning at 9:30 A.M., one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman will officiate. The inurnment at Lake View Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tree of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church (Holy Trinity Lutheran and Immanuel Lutheran), at 825 Forest Avenue, Jamestown, NY 14701.