Robert "Bob" Sarnecki

RANTOUL — Robert “Bob” Sarnecki, 78, of Bucyrus, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at St. Luke’s South Hospital, Overland Park, Kan.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 Tuesday morning at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Father Joel Phelps will officiate a service beginning at 11. Burial will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rantoul.

Bob was born on July 6, 1946, in Champaign, 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 U.S. Army in August 1964. He proudly served his country for three years during the Vietnam War. Bob was honorably discharged in August 1967 and was very proud of his military service.

He was united in marriage to Kathryn Remesch on Nov. 16, 1968, in Urbana. From this union, they had three children, Philip, Todd and Katie. The family made their home in Homer and St. Joseph 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 closeknit 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, ’60s 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 was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruby Sarnecki; sister, Frances Good; and a cherished fourlegged friend, Deogee.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Sarnecki, of the home; three children, Philip (Heidi) Sarnecki of Bucyrus, Todd (Stacie) Sarnecki of St. Joseph and Katie (Thomas) Kazyak of Derby, Kan.; 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, KS 66053.

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NG 11/08/2024