Robert Sarnecki

Robert “Bob” Sarnecki, age 78, of Bucyrus, Kansas, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Saint Luke’s South Hospital, Overland Park, Kansas.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:00 on Tuesday morning at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 East Grove, Rantoul.  Fr. Joel Phelps will officiate a service beginning at 11:00.  Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rantoul, Illinois.

Bob was born on July 6, 1946, in Champaign, Illinois, the son of Frank and Ruby (McIntyre) Sarnecki. He grew up in the Champaign area and graduated from Champaign Central High School with the class of 1964.

After high school, Bob enlisted with the United States Army in August of 1964. He proudly served his country for three years during the Vietnam War. Bob was honorably discharged in August of 1967, and was very proud of his military service.

He was united in marriage to Kathryn Remesch on November 16, 1968, in Urbana, Illinois. From this union they had three children; Philip, Todd, and Katie. The family made their home in Homer and Saint Joseph, Illinois for many years. The couple was happily married for nearly 56 years.

Bob worked for the University of Illinois, in the Housing Division for 33 years, before his retirement. He served as the volunteer coordinator for the Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA), for many years while living in Homer. Bob was an avid storm chaser. He also worked part time as an EMT on the ambulance service for many years.

In 2012, Bob and Kathy moved to Bucyrus, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.  He was a member of Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea parish for 13 years.

After moving to Kansas, Bob became a loyal fan of the Kansas City Royals, and hardly missed watching a game on tv. He collected HO gauge train sets and enjoyed “casual fishing” on occasion. Bob enjoyed coffee and cinnamon rolls with his close-knit group of friends, and loved having conversations with anyone over ice cream. Bob also loved his music. In his younger years country/western music was his favorite.  And in his later years 60’s music was always on the radio.  Bob enjoyed the old country western tv shows and watched them on repeat. He was a loving and faithful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruby Sarnecki, sister, Frances Good, and a cherished four-legged friend, Deogee.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Sarnecki, of the home; three children, Philip (Heidi) Sarnecki of Bucyrus, Kansas, Todd (Stacie) Sarnecki, of Saint Joseph, Illinois, and Katie (Thomas) Kazyak, of Derby, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Emily, Blake, Ava, Malorie, Carson, Shelby (Travis), Bailey, Riley, and Rubey; one great grandchild, Skylar; three brothers, Frank (Barbara), Mike, and Pat Sarnecki; one sister, Paula Butcher; and his shiatzu mix, Rue; as well as many extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Disabled American Veterans or Children Incorporated, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, P.O. Box 669, Louisburg, Kansas 66053.

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