Friday, March 29, 2024

Robert “Bob” Kolenda – Obituary

Robert “Bob” Kolenda, age 82 years, a resident of rural Vienna, Illinois, passed away Sunday morning, January 19, 2014, at 11:06 AM at his home.

Bob was born November 15, 1931 at Eldorado, Illinois.  He was the son of Edward J. & Margaret A. (Shelton) Kolenda.

Survivors include: his children – Robert C. Kolenda, Jean M. Kolenda, Katherine Kolenda, David Kolenda, and Roberta Kolenda; 2 sisters – Marianne Brizendine of California and Margaret Topel of Aurora, IL; a brother – John Kolenda of Aurora, IL.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents.

He was an honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.  Bob served in the 80th heavy tank battalion and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post # 2805 in Van Nuys/Canoga Park, California. 

Following his military service, Bob was employed from 1953-1960 by Kellogg Switchboard in Chicago, IL.  From 1960-1970, he was employed for Pacific Telephone in California and last worked as an appliance and service technician for Sears, Roebuck & Co retiring in 1994.

Bob was a devoted Christian and was an active and faithful member of the Gilead Church near Simpson, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held Saturday morning, January 25, 2014, at 11 AM at Gilead Church.  Pastor Bud McDannel and Pastor Junior Martin will officiate.  Burial will be in the Gilead Cemetery.  Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the Illinois National Guard Burial Honors Detail.  Visitation will be conducted from 9 AM – 11 AM Saturday at Gilead Church.

Memorials may be made to the Gilead Church, c/o Steve Kerley, 260 Gum Springs Road, Simpson, IL 62985.

To share a memory of Bob or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.