Robert Flaws Obituary

*In Honor of Bob, please wear your favorite bowling shirt*

Robert Scott Flaws, 71, of Orland Park, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, after a hard fought battle of esophageal cancer.

Robert was born on October 14, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Chicago Ridge. He graduated from H.L. Richards High School in Oak Lawn. He then went into the trades and became a fabricator welder.

His love of bowling started at a very young age. He grew up bowling in many leagues. He was a member of the Southwest Businessmen League at Arena Lanes for over 45 years. He has 39 consecutive years at the USBC Tournament. When he turned 50, he got his PBA Senior Tour Membership and bowled consistently for 15 years. He went on to win a Regional and a National Senior Tournament. He has countless 300 games sanctioned and non-sanctioned and 7-800 series. In 2018, he was inducted in the Chicago USBC Bowling Hall of Fame. In addition to bowling himself, he has coached so many bowlers. He loved sharing his love of the game with anyone that wanted to learn.

Bob grew up loving music. He started playing guitar at 7 years old. He went on to play in many bands over the years. He loved all kinds of music. He carried on his passion to his children and grandchildren. He taught them to play guitar and would have many jam sessions with them.

He also loved to fish and golf with his friends and family.Shortly after he was diagnosed Bob converted to Catholicism.

Robert is survived by his mother, Eleanor Kruschke, his wife, Nancy Jo (Schultz), his children, Scott (Debbie) Flaws and Amanda (Tom) Santay. His grandchildren David (Lizzie) Santay, Hannah (Joe) Shawhan, Sarah Santay, Sophia Flaws, Nikko Santay, Suzie Flaws, Lainey Flaws, Leah Santay, Jake Santay, Tommy Santay, and Danny Santay. He also had 5 great-grandchildren Archie, TJ, Gemma, Alyssa & Elsie. His brothers Dave and late Mary Flaws and Ken (Luanne) Flaws. Don (Debbie) Matthiesen, the late Jim & Diane Newquist, David (Ellen) Matthiesen, Debbie (Mark) McMahon, Patsy Brodie, Sister-in-law Cindi (Scotty) Hawkins. Many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Carl and Dorie Flaws and Charles Kruschke.