Robert Latty

LASALLE — Robert Steven Latty, 68, of LaSalle passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, at home.

He was born Sept. 18, 1951, in Peru to Robert and Loretta Faye (Buckley) Latty. He was a graduate of LaSalle-Peru High School and Illinois Valley Community College, where he studied computer technology. He married Paula Nadine Burkart on Oct. 14, 1977, in Peru and the following day, started their adventure out west.

His love of nature and photography inspired him to settle in Colorado, where he frequently took the family into the Rockies to photograph God's country.

He was a courier for UPS in Denver for 14 years. After moving back to Illinois, he worked for the LaSalle County IT Department from which he retired in 2018. He especially enjoyed singing and playing his guitar, and writing poetry. He also enjoyed collecting coins and movies. He was an avid reader of history, with a special interest in the Civil War. He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Paula; four children, Heather (Jake) Lemrise of Oglesby, Amy Latty of LaSalle, Jeffrey Latty of Peoria, Ariz., and Stephanie (Bonnie) Latty of Granville; six grandchildren, Ethan, Michael, Gabriel, Liam, Avery and Adelaide; two sisters, Cheri (Jim) Boldt and Sue Rabenberg, both of Marseilles; five sisters-in-law, Sheryl Christenson of Las Cruces, N.M., Jeanette Burkart of Decatur, Laura Burkart of Shreveport, La., Diane (David) Lampe of LaSalle and Katherine (Jim) Hoelter of Baraboo, Wis.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Norbert and Betty Burkart; his two brothers-in-law, Jerry Rabenberg and Dr. David Burkart; and two nephews, Clinton Lampe and Jason Boldt.

Funeral services will be at noon Monday, Nov. 25, at the Mueller Funeral Home in Peru. Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, and from 11 a.m. to noon Monday at the funeral home.

“If you listen, now, you'll hear, clear as a bell, a hollow voice, but filled with love, bidding you, a sweet farewell.” … written by Robert Latty.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Horizon House.

The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.