Robert R. Dunham

Robert R. Dunham, 85, of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026. He was born on September 18, 1940 to the late Raymond and Clara Dunham in Woodstock, Illinois, where his life of hard work, faith, and devotion to others began.

Bob’s first career choice was a barber. He owned a barbershop right next to a One Hour Martinizing. He cut hair for many years. He eventually bought the dry cleaners. He would go between the stores and help Mary, his late wife.

Bob loved his drycleaning business that he started in Streamwood, Illinois with a One Hour Martinizing. He owned and operated Vogue Cleaners of Crystal Lake since 1978 and Vogue Cleaners of Woodstock since the early 1980s. He’s had many other locations throughout the years.

He was director of the board of ISFA, known formerly as the Illinois State Fabricare Association for Professional Drycleaners and Launderers, for three terms. Bob also served as President of the West Suburban Drycleaning Association. He was the first CEO of the Greater Chicagoland Drycleaners Association. For 2 years, he was the Vice President of the Korean Drycleaners Association.

Bob was very committed to finding a solution for safe disposal of solvent. He was the first drycleaner to bring Safety-Kleen in to do solvent pick-ups for his location and many others. He served 2 years on the Illinois EPA Drycleaner board.

On May 12, 1962, Robert married the love of his life, Mary Gorham. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in family and commitment, sharing 45 years of marriage until Mary’s passing in 2007. In 2011, Robert found love again and on July 23, he married Susan Field at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Crystal Lake, a place that held deep meaning for him.

A faithful member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church since 1978, Robert lived his faith through service. He was a longtime lector and usher, always willing to lend his time and presence. He was also a proud Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus in the Streamwood chapter, embodying the values of charity, unity, and fraternity.

Robert will be remembered as an inspirational and patient man, charming and loyal, deeply devoted to his family and those he loved. He had an infectious smile and a warm heart that put people at ease. Unique in spirit and affectionate by nature, he was thoughtful, supportive, and comforting—someone others naturally leaned on. Selfless and generous, Robert gave freely of himself, never seeking recognition. His passion for life, faith, and family was evident in all he did.

Above all, Robert was irreplaceable. He was deeply valued by his family, friends, parish community, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, devotion, and love will live on in the countless lives he touched.

Robert will be deeply missed by his wife, Susan; children, Jeff Dunham, Tamara (the late Dean) Howard of McHenry, IL; Timothy Dunham of Crystal Lake, IL; Scott (Kimberly) Dunham of Crystal Lake, IL; Tim (Stacy) Sullivan, Bill Sullivan, Tammy (Dan) Lanciloti; grandchildren, Christopher (Maia) Dunham, Catherine (Christopher) Riggsby, Lilly Dunham, William Dunham, Luke Dunham, Isla Dunham, Ashley (Phillip) Brown, Blake (Natalie) Howard, Cailey (Gavin) Olsen, Alex Kaiser, Emily Rodgers, Sam Rodgers, Timothy Sullivan; Great-Grandchildren, Beaumont and Bryar Brown, Tanner and Wesley Howard, Arthur Olsen.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Dunham; his sister Ruth (Daniel) Freund and his brother, Gerald Dunham.

Visitation will be Friday, January 30, 2026 from 4 PM until 8 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Visitation will continue the following day, Saturday, January 31, from 12 Noon until the time of the funeral Mass at 1 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 1023 McHenry Ave, Crystal Lake. Private family burial will take place at Windridge Memorial Park, Cary.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org