GoFundMe Started To Cover Funeral Costs For Man Who Died In Mobile Home Fire

MERRIONETTE PARK, IL — The family of a man who died in a Merrionette Park mobile home fire has started a GoFundMe campaign to pay for his funeral costs as they deal with their loved one’s unfathomable and shocking loss.

Bob Umecker was home alone when a fire broke out in his mobile home Sunday evening in the Oak Lane Mobile Home Park, 11750 S. Homan Ave. in Merrionette Park. When multiple fire departments arrived, Umecker’s mobile home was fully engulfed by flames, that had spread to adjacent homes.

Firefighters found Umecker deceased inside his home. Two other park residents were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Witnesses reported hearing an explosion, but the cause of the fire is still under investigation by Merrionette Park fire investigators and the Illinois State Fire Marshal.

“My brother has just spoken to him at 5 o’clock asking him if he wanted to come watch the Bears game or needed any dinner,” Umecker’s daughter, Teresa Umecker Buturusis, told Patch. “He said he was gonna watch at home and make himself something small.”

>>> Support for Bob Umecker’s Family After Tragedy

A few hours later, just after 7 p.m., witnesses reported hearing an explosion and seeing their neighbor’s mobile home on fire. Teresa said her father suffered from COPD and emphysema and kept several oxygen tanks in the kitchen area, in case of a power outage or if he needed to leave the house.

“Speculation was an over pressurized oxygen tank,” his daughter said, “But [fire officials] will not conclude anything until they know the cause of death. There are lots of unknowns.”

Umecker was a devoted life partner to Donna Umecker, and beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

“In addition to this heartbreaking loss, the explosion destroyed Bob’s home, along with his personal belongings and life savings,” writes cousin Kelly Brogan, who is organizing the online fundraiser. “Due to declining health, Bob did not have insurance or savings, which had already placed financial strain on him prior to this tragedy. The family is now facing overwhelming and unexpected hardship, including funeral and memorial expenses and the reality of losing everything in an instant.”

Videos posted on social media showed a ball of flames and smoke billowing in the distance.

"It’s been really tough to process all this,” Teresa said. “I watch the videos, and I just pray he didn’t suffer. He was such a good man, and so didn’t deserve this.”

To make a donation, visit “Support for Bob Umecker’s Family After Tragedy.”