Robert Earl Waslaski
March 16, 1953 ~ June 17, 2014
Robert E. Waslaski, 61, Roswell, NM, formerly of Windom, MN, died Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at the University of New Mexico Medical Center.
Memorial services will be Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 3:00pm at Heartland Funeral Home with Pastor Lee Green officiating. Inurnment will be in Langdon, ND, at a later date. Robert will be put to rest near his brother Frankie and his parents in Langdon. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Robert was born on March 16, 1953 in Rapid City, South Dakota to Frank and Evelyn Waslaski. He was raised with his siblings Richard, the late Frank Jr. who died in 2000, and his sisters Mary and Elizabeth. Robert attended Billings West high school. He married Bonnie Orr in 1971. In 1982, his son Colby Hartje was born to Deb Hartje in Cavalier, ND. He married Bonnie Fratzke on January 19, 1993. To their union was born Lindsey and Travis. Robert adored children and he said “The day that each of my babies were born, were the best days of my life.”
Robert was employed with Fortune Transportation out of Windom, MN. He loved being an over-the-road truck driver and seeing the country. He had driven in every single state except for AK and HI. Prior to getting his CDL, Robert worked in the printing industry. He was a member of the Local 49 Union of Operating Engineers. He enjoyed motorcycles, country music, time spent with family (especially his children and grandchildren), barbeques and movies with friends, and speaking like Donald Duck. He often tried to entertain young children with his Donald Duck voice – even sometimes kids he didn’t know. Children were drawn to him and he loved nothing more than making a child giggle.
There were difficult times in Robert’s life where his struggles created distance between him and his family members. He strived during the last several years to correct that distance, and his oldest son Colby said it best when he stated, “He wasn’t perfect. He made mistakes. But most important of all was that he loved my family and I. I am forever grateful for the time we got to spend together. I’m gonna miss you Dad! RIP.”
Robert is survived by his beloved companion Donna Cole; step-daughter Nichole (Willy) Maskovich, Sioux Falls, SD; children, Colby (Amie) Hartje, Lancaster, CA, Lindsey (Tony) Linan, Springfield, MN, and Travis Waslaski, Sioux Falls, SD; eight grandchildren (and the light of his life), Paige, Coleton, Nicholas, Tiago, Audrina, Logan, Landon and Eli; three siblings, Richard (Priscilla) Waslaski, Mary (Allan) Krueger, and Elizabeth (Kyle) Grove; and several nieces and nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Evelyn Waslaski, one brother Frank Waslaski, Jr., and grandparents Stanley and Katherine Waslaski and Earl and Lucy McGauvran.
so sorry to hear of Robbie’s passing. My prayers go out to Mary, Rick, Elizabeth and his family. Aunt Audrey
Dad always enjoyed it when Robert came to Kozy Korner to have coffee with him. I always enjoyed giving Robert “Dummy” grief. He’s definitely going to be missed. Have a cup of coffee for me with Dad, Robert!
Royal and I are mourning Rob’s loss. Eternal rest grant unto Robert Waslaski, Oh Lord, and may Your perpetual light shine upon him.
I have fond memories of traveling with Robbie’s family in Montana. I also relate Donald Duck to Robbie and enjoyed his talking like him. He will always be Robbie to me even though I’m sure he went by Robert. My deepest sympathy to his children, and siblings Rick, Mary and Elizabeth.
I am sorry for your loss, may the Lord help you with your grief, you have my sympathies, Linda duerr