Robert Palis

Robert L. Palis, (a.k.a.Froggy) age 97, died on January, 24, 2020 at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, after a short illness.  Mr. Palis was preceded in death by his wife, Claire Wheeler; daughter, Edith Holden; his siblings and parents.  He is survived by daughters Pamela Palis-Kalisz (Patrick) and Carol Vance-Crow. He also left behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephew. Robert was a submarine veteran of World War II, where he served as Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class on the USS Rock and USS Icefish.  He served in the Asiatic - Pacific arena from 1942 to 1945. On February 20, 1944, he commissioned the USS Icefish from Manitowoc, WI where it was manufactured and put it into service. Prior to the Corral Sea battle, the USS Icefish was severely damaged by enemy fire, and almost sunk. In 1946, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. Bob lived most of his life in Illinois until his health began to decline. He was born in Forest Park and lived in Aurora, where his father owned a restaurant and was head Chef.  After the war, Bob married the love of his life, Claire Wheeler, on July 21st, 1951. They moved to Berwyn, Illinois where Bob operated a TV repair business. After retiring from television repair, he began working for Lyons Township High School, heading projects in maintenance.  Bob loved to go golfing, but his special joy was fishing with his wife, Claire.  Bob was also a member of the Submarine Veterans of WWII, and Berwyn Eagles. In 2012, Bob moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas where he enjoyed the peace and tranquility of nature until his death.