- Date Of Birth: June 1, 1923
- Date Of Death: May 16, 2017
- State: Illinois
Robert “Bob” E. Kosnick, a lifetime resident of Ottawa, died May 16, 2017 just shy of his 94th birthday. The oldest son of Elmer and Myrtle (Hall) Kosnick. Bob was born June 1, 1923 at Ryburn Memorial Hospital in Ottawa. Bob graduated from Ottawa High School and was subsequently employed by Chicago Bridge & Iron Company as a draftsman in November 1942. His career as a drafter was cut short when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on February 10, 1943.
A veteran of WWII, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to November 26, 1945 as a Motor Machinist’s Mate on the USS Sway (AM-120), a warship acquired by the U.S. Navy for the dangerous task of removing naval mines from waterways. Bob was issued the American Campaign medal, the European-Africa-Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the Asian-Pacific Campaign medal, and the World War II Victory Medal to commemorate his service in the Pacific Operations. While serving in WWII, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Jean (Armstrong) Kosnick on April 14, 1945 at the Presbyterian Church in Dade County, Miami Florida. After being discharged from the Navy, Bob was employed as an auto mechanic at Chapman Motors and W&W Motors in Ottawa where he also did auto upholstering.
Based on the excellent reputation he established as an upholsterer, in 1968 he started his own business, Bob’s Auto Upholstering. Bob was self-handedly responsible for the success of his business, which was known county-wide when he sold it in 1970.Bob was a lifetime Chicago Cubs’ and Bears’ fan and lived to see the Cubs win the World Series. He loved to talk to anyone he met and was a friend to many. He was a well known and respected resident of Ottawa and rarely could go anywhere without meeting someone who knew him.Bob was an avid reader, loved boating and was our anchor. His heart never wavered toward the love and concern he had for the welfare of his family. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and loved his church and his relationship with God.
But Bob loved his wife Jean above all else. They celebrated 72 years of marriage prior to his passing.Bob was a loving father of Cynthia Eichelkraut, Cheryl Baker (Bobby), and Terry Kosnick (Amy). Bob’s five grandchildren Lisa Bongartz, Shelly Carey (Mike), Angela Sonday (Brent), Mia Kosnick, and Sabina Kosnick brought him great joy, as did his seven great grandchildren Jordie (Bongartz) Wahl, Bailie Bongartz, Riley Bongartz, Lackyn Sonday, Lucey Sonday, Luke Sonday, and Louis Sonday. Bob left behind his brother Howard Kosnick (Lorraine). He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, June Ellen Jameson (Bob) of Ottawa, and a great grandchild, Jenna Sonday. All of us he left behind will be forever grateful for the joy and love he brought us. He will live in our hearts forever.
