Robert Travnicek

Memorial services are pending in Clarkson, Nebraska for Robert Anton Travnicek, who died peacefully Wednesday, April 13, 2011 in Grove, Oklahoma after a short hospital stay. He was only 26 days shy of his 90th birthday. Bob (as he was known to all his friends) was born on May 9, 1921 on the Travnicek family farm located four miles west and 1 � miles north of Clarkson, Nebraska. His parents were Joseph and Vlasta (Kastanek) Travnicek, Sr. Bob grew up with an older brother (Joe W.) and a sister (Arlene). He received his elementary education at rural District #42 in Colfax County, and graduated from Clarkson High School in 1937. On June 8, 1942, Bob enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He served over three years in active military service, part of which was spent overseas during World War II , in Africa, Italy and France. He flew 68 missions over enemy territory while in Europe and returned to the States on December 15, 1944. He was a member of the 12th Air Corps, 86th Bomb Squadron, 47th Bomb Group and his assignment was that of an engineer gunner on an A-20 bomber. Bob earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and received the following decorations: � Air Medal with 1 Oak Cluster � European, African and Middle Eastern Medal with four bronze stars � Good Conduct Medal � One overseas bar He received his honorable discharge on October 8, 1945. On June 29, 1945, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Rose Aerl of Los Angeles, California, and after Bob received his military discharge, they returned to Clarkson and established their home on the family farm where he grew up. Bob and Dorothy became the parents of four children: � William Robert (and wife Pat) of Omaha, Nebraska � Gary Edward (and wife Marian) of Charlotte, North Carolina � James Michael (and wife Nancy) of Columbus, Nebraska � Jane Ann (and husband Michael Mennem) of Omaha, Nebraska. After Bob retired from active farming in 1982, he was employed by Federal Crop Insurance Corporation as a crop adjuster until 1991. In the fall of 1991, Bob and Dorothy sold their home and farm. On Thanksgiving Eve, 1991, they moved into their new home in Grove, Oklahoma, where they continued to live at the time of Bob's death. Throughout his life, he and Dorothy enjoyed traveling with their motor home, and fishing and boating with friends and family. An accomplished carpenter, he built furniture for family members and did extensive remodeling of his homes. Bob was a lifelong member of the New Zion Presbyterian Church of Clarkson, Nebraska where he served as Elder, Trustee, Usher, and Youth Fellowship sponsor. He was a member and past president of the board of the directors of the Farmers Union Co-Op Gas Company, director of the District #42 school board, 50 year VFW member and a past member of the American Legion. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one infant sister, and his brother, Joe. Survivors include: � his wife and best friend of 65 years and 288 days, Dorothy � his four children (Bill, Gary, Jim and Jane) � his twelve grandchildren (Alyssa, Andrew, Brian, Eric, Erik, Jason, Joel, Joey, Kelli, Leah, Missy and Sean), � his sister (Arlene Novotny), � his sister-in-law (Dorothy Fechner Travnicek), � Nieces (Judy Wolf, Joyce Kennedy and Sharon Novotny) The family requests that cash memorials in lieu of flowers be given to Good Shepherd Hospice in Grove, Oklahoma (where Bob received extraordinary care and comfort for the last few months of his life) and/or to the New Zion Presbyterian Church in Clarkson, Nebraska which was a formative part of his family's life. Please revisit honoringmemories.com to obtain updated details on a memorial service being planned in Clarkson, Nebraska in June or July.

Service Details

PENDING