Obituary of Robert E. Chojnacki

Robert E. Chojnacki, age 64, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away unexpectedly of a sudden heart attack on Thursday, July 12, 2018 at his residence.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Wisconsin Rapids.  Rev. Robert Schaller will officiate.  Burial will be at Pioneer Cemetery in the town of Saratoga.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 17 and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday at the church.

Robert was born January 24, 1954 in Stevens Point, WI to Alois and Jeanne (Krah) Chojnacki. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids in 1972. 

After high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1972-1978 aboard the USS Hancock Aircraft Carrier during the Vietnam War.  He was proud to be a part of Operation Frequent Wind; the final phase in the evacuation of American civilians and "at-risk" Vietnamese from Saigon, South Vietnam prior to the takeover of the city by the North Vietnamese Army in the Fall of Saigon.

After being honorably discharged from the Navy, Bob returned home to Wisconsin Rapids and began work at Ore-Ida/McCain Foods where he worked in the field department for 39.5 years until his retirement.

Bob was united in marriage to Rhonda Zurfluh on August 23, 1980 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Nekoosa. 

Bob and Rhonda enjoyed raising their family together.  They were both very involved with their children’s activities growing up and Bob coached the boys in sports.  They loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Jamaica, the Bahamas, Las Vegas, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Door County or anywhere the next “adventure” would lead them.  Bob enjoyed fishing, visiting lighthouses, playing baseball, shooting pool and bowling.  He loved to be around the campfire, having cookouts while listening to the radio and reminiscing with family and friends.  He also liked to play cards, do crosswords and trivia, and watch old time Western movies, even if they weren’t Rhonda’s favorite.  He was an avid Milwaukee Brewers and Wisconsin Badgers fan.  Bob will long be remembered for his laugh, his good sense of humor and his ability to just make people around him feel special. 

Bob is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Rhonda; four children: Kristopher (Trista) Zurfluh, Ryan Chojnacki, Kelli (Ray) Rogus Jr. and Andrew (fiancé Ying) Chojnacki all of Wisconsin Rapids; grandchildren: Nickalas, Damon, Ava, Colson, Degan, and Samara; brothers: Michael (Sue), Patrick (Cindy) and Jon (Denise); sisters: Linda, Mary (Randy), Carrie (Chad) and Judy; in-laws: Lyle (Ellie), Marcella, Keith (Mary), Harold, Jack and Renee; and was anxiously anticipating the birth of another grandchild in November.  Bob is predeceased by his parents; brother, Brian; and in-laws: Gayle, Elaine, Dwayne (Sally), Janet and Lowren.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.taylorfuneralhome.net.  Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.