Robert Henry Rajek, 63, Merrill, passed away Monday, February 13, 2012 at Hospice House in Wausau, surrounded by his family.
He was born in Merrill on November 15, 1948 to Robert Leo and Genevieve (Ravey) Rajek. On January 13, 1969, Bob was united with Karen Baguhn in marriage. She survives.
Bob was a 1966 graduate of Merrill Senior High School. He then attended North Central Technical Institute and graduated with an Associates Degree in Marketing. Bob worked at R.O.W. Cash & Carry until 1981. He then worked for Wisconsin Public Service as an Operator and then Supervisor at the Weston Power Plant until his retirement in 2010. Bob also, together with his son, Scott, owned and operated Rajek Forest Products. His Christian Faith was very important to him throughout his life. Bob was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Merrill where he served as Trustee, Elder, and Chairman of the congregation. He was a former president of the Merrill Ice Draggers and was chairman of the Lincoln County Republican Party. Bob liked the outdoors and enjoyed pheasant hunting in South Dakota. In his retirement, Bob also enjoyed working on a vacation home in Land O Lakes for his family. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. They were very important to him. Bob was well known for his sense of humor, even during his time of illness.
Bob is survived by his wife, Karen, of Merrill; parents, Robert L. & Genevieve Rajek, Merrill; two sons: Scott (Becky) Rajek, Merrill, and Cory (Jenny) Rajek, Janesville; one daughter: Angie (Joe) Harkner, Omro; one brother: Gary (Karen) Rajek, Merrill; two sisters: Kathleen (Tom) VanDerGeest, Merrill, and Mary Rajek, Merrill; and seven grandchildren: Coty, Cole, and Cade Rajek, Cassie and Joseph Harkner, and Emiley and Alexis Rajek, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandchild, Alex, his grandparents, one brother, Wayne, and a nephew, Steve.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Monday, February 20, 2012, at Faith Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Kevin Hoogland will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Sunday, February 19, 2012 at Waid Funeral Home and again from 9:30 – 10:30 before the service at the church Monday. A prayer service will be held 7:30 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Faith Lutheran Cemetery, Town of Scott. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.