Robert Patrick Vanko
September 21, 1958 - November 25, 2013
Obituary
OREGON-Robert P. Vanko, age 55, passed away very unexpectedly on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013, at his home. He was born on Sept. 21, 1958, in Madison, the son of Joseph and Linda (Ellwein) Vanko. Bob was a life-long resident of Madison and Oregon. He graduated from Madison West High School and UW-Madison. Bob married Sandra L. Pedracine on Aug. 24, 1985, in Madison. He was employed by the Nestle Company as a Sales Representative selling pizza and ice cream products in the Madison area. Bob enjoyed working out, riding his bike, and taking walks with his dog, Jo. He especially enjoyed the game of hockey; coaching, playing, and watching his sons. Sharing these special moments with his family and the surrounding community earned him the title “the Voice of Oregon Hockey”.
Bob is survived by his wife, Sandy; sons, Carl and Alec Vanko; father and mother-in-law, Richard and Theresa Pedracine; siblings, Joel (Dawn) Vanko, Richard (Diane) Vanko, Lynn (Bill Reed) Larson, Steve (Jane Elmer) Vanko, Scott "Stormy" (Gayle) Vanko, and Larry Vanko; best friend, JoJo; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, with Father Gary Wankerl presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL HOME, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013, as well as from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given on the behalf of the Oregon Youth Hockey Association. Bob was a great husband, dad, coach, friend and even better man! We love you! Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park Street
(608)835-3515
Events
Visitation
Fri Nov 29, 2013 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Oregon • 1150 Park Street, Oregon, WI 53575
Service
Sat Nov 30, 2013 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church (Oregon) • 651 N. Main St., Oregon, WI 53575
Photos
No photos of Robert have been shared yet.
Memories
CJ
Christine Johnston
Other •
Sending thoughts your way. It is a difficult time, but so much fun and good things to remember Bob by forever. Christine Johnston
MP
Mary Plummer
Other •
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Mary Plummer
KS
Katherine Solberg
Other •
We are so sorry for your loss. Sending our condolences to you & your family. And prayers to help you get through this difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories.
Katherine & Kirk Solberg
K
Kathy
Other •
We are so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great guy and a great hockey announcer. We will miss him walking your dog by our house. Many thoughts and prayers...The Stensaas'
DS
Dan Seering
Other •
Sandy,
I am so sorry for your loss of Bob. Bob was such a special, energetic and fun person. He brought light and life to every occasion that I ever attended with the two of you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to be of help to you.
Dan Seering and Mary Jane Ripp
MS
Margaret Straub
Other •
The "Voice of Oregon Hockey" may be audibly silenced but will be forever in the hearts of many Oregon area friends and family. Our hearts go out to all of those who are affected by the loss of Bob, especially to Sandy, Carl, Alec and JoJo. May you find peace in the coming days through the memories of Bob shared by those who knew and loved him. The Straub's