Robert V. McIlhargie Obituary

Robert “Bob” V. McIlhargie, 85, of Stevensville, MI passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Serene Ridge in Stevensville.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, December 22, 2025 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Service, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI 49085. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery in Stevensville. Friends may visit with the family from 12:00 P.M. until 1:00 P.M., Monday, December 22, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory of Robert online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com

Robert was born December 26, 1939 in Bad Axe, MI to Vincent & Avis (Kelly) McIlhargie.

He graduated from Owendale High School in 1958. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Western University in 1965, followed by his master’s degree in 1966. He later completed his Ph.D. at Boston College in 1975. Robert joined the U.S. Army in 1966 and proudly served until his retirement as a Colonel in 1992. In 1971, he married Kathleen Smith in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
From 1981 to 1984, Robert taught at Notre Dame University. He later worked at Benton Harbor High School as the Director of ROTC, where he served until his retirement in 2002.

Robert is survived by his wife Kathleen McIlhargie; sons Robert V. McIlhargie Jr. and Brian P. (Julie Reddig) McIlhargie; and grandchildren Quinn B. McIlhargie and Colin J. McIlhargie.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Michael F. McIlhargie and Daniel J. McIlhargie.