Robert William “Bob” Castendyck, 95, of Pompano Beach, died Monday, Aug. 14, 2017, at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach.

He was born March 6, 1922, to Otto F. and Helen (Ward) Castendyck in Sterling. As a young man, Robert graduated with scholastic honors from Sterling High School, and was an Eagle Scout. Bob went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Knox College, where he was an active member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, and a J.D. from Northwestern University Law School, where he was a member of Phi Delta Phi Law Fraternity. Bob’s studies were interrupted briefly during World War II while he served as a navigator on a B-24 Bomber stationed in Okinawa, Japan, receiving the rank of first lieutenant. At Knox College, Robert met his wife of almost 70 years, Margaret Lord. They were married in September 1947 in Davenport, Iowa.

Upon completion of his studies, Bob joined the family law firm, Ward & Ward, now known as Ward, Murray, Pace, and Johnson, where he became a partner. As a dedicated legal servant and active member of his community, Robert contributed to the following organizations: attorney for the founding board of Sauk Valley Community College; president of the Jaycees; Whiteside County Bar Association; Sterling-Rock Falls Rotary club; Whiteside County Mental Health Association; Sterling Board of Police and Fire Commissions; served on the board of Rock River Country Club; trustee for Knox College; YMCA, and YWCA boards; deacon, elder, trustee, and clerk of the session of First Presbyterian Church in Sterling. He also helped establish Self Help Enterprises. He was elected Whiteside County circuit judge in 1978, and served the 14th Judicial Circuit until retirement in 1992.