Robert Louis Vlasak, Sr.

MADISON- Robert “Bob” L. Vlasak, of Madison, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2014; just two hours shy of his 66th wedding anniversary. He was 89 years old. Bob was born on August 17th, 1924, to Louis and Julia Vlasak (Novy) in Hillsboro, Wis. He was educated in Hillsboro, speaking only his native Czech when he began school. He rapidly achieved fluency in English his first year. Soon after high school, Bob joined the US Army. Bob was a decorated WWII combat veteran who was awarded four battle stars while serving in the Pacific Theater of Operations from early 1943 until his honorable discharge on Dec. 31, 1945. Bob remained an avid VFW supporter throughout his life. Soon after discharge, his sister Eleanor introduced him to her friend, Alyce (Sandy) Thompson. He was smitten. On Feb. 4, 1948, they were married. Bob and Sandy had four children, Rhonda (Greg) Vlasak Bingham, Rob Jr. (Hilary), Terri (Rodger Mascarenas) and Mark (Sarah). Bob worked for Oscar Mayer as a mechanic for 35 years. He was a master tinkerer and could fix anything. Bob had many interests and was passionate about many things during his life, including flying, videography & photography, traveling, boating, fishing, bowling, dancing and love of animals. He passed many of these interests on to his children. Bob remained smitten to the end, whispering with his last breath one final declaration of love to his wife. Bob was a romantic and a dreamer and he was a friend to all he met. He will be loved deeply, always. Bob is survived by his wife and children; four grandchildren, Emily and Jimmy Vlasak and Ryan and Lindsay Bingham; his sisters, Eleanor (Crosswait), Margie (Ulrich), Mary (Schell) and Betty (Keesler); his furry family members, Jasmine, Nora, Maddie, Tory and Tippie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Al. Funeral Services will be held at ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Avenue, Madison, at Noon, on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014. Military honors and lunch will follow immediately. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. The family would like to thank the staff of St. Mary’s (5th floor) for their care and professionalism; and the angels of Agrace HospiceCare for their abundant tenderness and respectfulness. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. We love you too, Dad.