Robert was born on November 5, 1942, in Grinnell, Iowa to John Raymond and Alice Scofield McIlrath. He was raised in Newburg and graduated from Grinnell High School with the Class of 1961. He also attended Ellsworth College in Iowa Falls. Robert was married to Barbara Fulford and to this union was born one daughter, Michelle. The marriage ended in divorce. On December 31, 1974 he was married to Kathy Liljestrand and to this union was born two children, Kaley and Brian. Robert worked as an engineer in the telecommunication industry all of his life. He retired from Sprint Telecommunications Company after 27 years of employment. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan and he enjoyed playing and watching baseball. He also enjoyed dancing, NASCAR and restoring vintage cars, such as his 1957 Chevys and 1966 Corvette. Survivors include his wife, Kathy McIlrath of Altamonte Springs, Florida; one son, Brian McIlrath of Altamonte Springs; two daughters, Michelle Edwards of Chandler, AZ and Kaley McIlrath of Altamonte Springs; three grandchildren, Josh, Jordan and Zachary Edwards, all of Chandler; his mother, Alice McIlrath of Ankeny; one brother, Dennis McIlrath of Grinnell; and one sister, Wendy Mount of Scranton, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his father, one sister, Norma Ryan; and one brother, John R. McIlrath Jr. Memorials may be directed to the Hospice of the Comforter, 480 West Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, Florida or to Grinnell Regional Hospice.