Robert PazderaIssue Date: September 20, 2018 Robert Pazdera, 85, known to friends as Bebo, Beebs or Bob, passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 at his home surrounded by family, after a courageous nine year battle with lymphoma.
Born Dec. 8, 1932, to Otto and Josie Pazdera, he grew up in Menekaunee in a family of 11 children and graduated from Marinette High School in 1951. He was a standout track and field, basketball and football athlete, earning most valuable football player award for the Marines in his senior year.
He was recruited to play football at the University of Kentucky by the famous Bear Bryant, but his collegiate career ended as a result of a serious car accident. He then enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the South Pacific for four years during the Korean War.
Upon returning to Marinette, he married Nancy LaLuzerne on June 21, 1958 and they recently celebrated 60 years together. He worked at the Milwaukee and Northwestern Railroad and retired from Ansul in 1995.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; two daughters, Tammy (Randy) Verkerke and Terri (Jamie) Patterson; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; six sisters, Barb Walker, Mary Landerman, Patsy (Jim) Payne, Toni (Dale) Christensen, Veronica (Art) Mech and Jeanie (Dennis) Friedeman and a brother, Pat (Lynn) Pazdera.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Bill Kuniesh, Jack Pazdera and Tom Pazdera.
He had a talent for woodworking, carving and painting watercolor art, an enthusiasm for physical activity and remained an active member of the local YMCA until the final year of his life. In his final days, he expressed gratitude to his pickle ball family ("you know who!") for all of their support and how much he missed them while his chemotherapy robbed him of his ability to play. He will be remembered for his giving heart, selfless acts and affectionate spirit.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Anderson Kell Funeral Home in Menominee on Friday, Sept. 21 from 4 p.m. until time of Military Rites conducted by the Military 20 Year Club at 6:45 p.m., followed by a Vigil Service. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Resurrection Parrish, 2607 18th St. in Menominee at 11 a.m., followed by a lunch. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Menominee. A memorial fund has been established and any expressions can be directed to Nancy Pazdera.
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