Remembering Robert Sittig

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Mon, 01/09/2023 - 09:56

Robert F. Sittig, 91, of Lincoln, died December 1, 2022. He taught political science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from 1962 to 2002. His specialties were political parties, elections, and state government, particularly Nebraska’s unicameral legislature. He thoroughly enjoyed working with both graduate and undergraduate students and he highly respected his dedicated colleagues and the way in which they all supported one another in the endeavor of providing higher education for all. He was a highly intelligent and inquisitive person who promoted critical thinking in each person whose life he touched.

He was born in Three Oaks, Michigan on September 20, 1931, to Paul and Frances Sittig. He was one of eight siblings.

He worked from the age of nine, selling magazines and delivering newspapers, and then in various stores, and even at a bowling alley in his village. He graduated from high school at the age of sixteen and followed his brother’s footsteps, working in his bookkeeping service while he completed a two-year program in Business Administration and Accounting at South Bend College of Commerce in 1948. When the Korean War started, as was his family tradition, he enlisted and served in the U. S. Navy as a Yeoman First Class from 1951-1955. It was in the military that he realized his vocation was to become a teacher. He used the GI bill to major in social sciences at Western Michigan University, completing his Bachelor’s degree in two and a half years. Married to Bonnie, and with a budding family he needed to support, he completed his Master’s degree in one year and his PhD in three years, both at Southern Illinois University, majoring in political science.

Robert was a dedicated husband, a supportive father of five children and an extremely proud grandfather who loved his family beyond limit. He was a devout Catholic who shared his beautiful life with his wife Bonnie for 63 years. When asked about his life, without hesitation, he always replied, “We have had a great life!”

Robert was a member of St. Joseph and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches, the American Legion, the Open Forum Club, and the United Nations Association. He participated in local politics, supporting and serving in the political campaigns of candidates who were passionate about improving the city of Lincoln. He donated blood regularly, volunteered at the local food bank and participated in a weekly prayer fellowship at the state penitentiary for many years. He was a member of Nebraskans Against the Death Penalty. He was an avid golfer and participated in many leagues. Robert was a man of intense presence and overflowing gratitude who always displayed an infinite love of life and all its graces in his religious practice as well as in his personal and professional life. Robert and his appreciation for life will be missed very, very much.

Robert is survived by his children Beth M. Sittig of Three Oaks, MI, Christie S. Sittig of Anacortes, WA, Ann L. Sittig (Marcus Roble) of Redding, CA, Robert F. (Candy) Sittig Jr. of Leawood, KS, and Darcy S. (Rich) Majka of Oak Park, IL; and grandchildren, Josie Badillo Sittig, Anna, Libby, & Frankie Majka, Robert F. “Bobby” III & Isabella Sittig.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters, Paul, Raymond, Marilyn, and Theresa, and by his beloved wife Bonnie Lou (Brush) Sittig.