Robert E. Wanczyk

Robert (Bob) Edmond Wanczyk was born in Denver, Colorado on June 14, 1942 to the late Maxine and Frank Wanczyk. Bob had one brother, Daniel (Danny) Wanczyk with whom he remained close throughout his life. Bob learned about tragedy at an early age when he lost his father to a motorcycle racing accident at the young age of 14. In spite of this tragic event in Bob's life, he developed a love of cars and motorcycles just as his father had. Bob also self taught himself how to play the accordion as a way to remain forever connected to his father.

Bob and Danny were blessed with a loving stepfather, Eddie, who shared with them the love of the mountains, hunting and fishing. The family had a cabin built in Grand Lake which was to be loved by generations to come. They also had a favorite Uncle Roy as they grew up, who was more like a brother to them.

In 1958, Bob met the love of his life, Dorothy (Dottie) Hein. They courted about four years and married on November 3, 1962. Bob and Dottie were married for over 54 years and were a shining example of the love, courage and determination it takes to make a successful marriage. During this same time Bob and Dottie started a life long friendship with Carl and Sheryll Graves.

After high school Bob worked as a Machinist apprentice at General Iron Works. Bob worked hard to master his craft and later went on to work at Whitaker Industries where he became a master machinist. Bob was loyal to his employer and worked at Whitaker Industries for over 40 years before he retired.

In 1962 Bob and Dottie bought their first (and only) home in Lakewood, Colorado. In 1964 they were blessed with a daughter, Deborah (Debbie). Two years later in 1966 they had a son, David (Dave). Their final child Kristina (Kristy) came along in 1968.

Bob and Dottie raised their children along side of their good friends Carl and Sheryll. The adults loved to go on Motorcycle trips together and shared many common interests. Their favorite blended family vacations were spent up at the Wanczyk family cabin in Grand Lake. In addition, Bob loved to go antiquing so that he could add to his many collectables of ducks, watches, clocks, Aladdin lamps, tools, and bottle openers.

Bob would most likely be described as a quiet man complimented by a somewhat dry sense of humor. He was friendly and kind to those he met and would go out of his way to lend a hand whenever needed. There was nothing he couldn't fix or improve. He was brilliant and shared his love of knowledge with his children. He raised his children to believe they could do anything with hard work and determination.

Bob held himself and his family to the highest ethical standards and taught them to do the right thing. While he would not consider himself a religious man, it was clear that "love" was something he clearly valued, understood, and exhibited to others around him. Today, his children honor the example of the "love" that he showed to his wife and to them. You can see this by the way they now too live their lives, and the love they show to their spouses (Frank, Nita, and Kenny) and to their kids (Ron, Crystal, Taylor, Kiana, Kaitlyn, Alexis and Noah).

Bob was diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimer's in 2007. Dottie, with the help of Debbie and Kristy, provided him exceptional care over the years. He was blessed that over this time he never had to leave home. It was only in the last few days of his life that he needed to be in the hospital due to his illness.

Bob passed away on November 10, 2016 and he will be greatly missed by all that loved him.

Bob is survived by his Wife, Dorothy A. Wanczyk; Two Daughters, Deborah L. (Frank) Vega, Kristina M. (Kenneth) Arellano; Son, David P. (Nita) Wanczyk; Seven Grandchildren, Ron (Chantal ) Wanczyk, Crystal (Zack) Walsh, Taylor Arellano, Kiana Arellano, Kaitlyn Arellano, Alexis Vega, Noah Vega; Seven Great-Grandchildren, Ashley Wheeler, Emily Wheeler, Danielle Wheeler, Torrence Wheeler, Genesis Wanczyk, Thomas Walsh, David Walsh; Brother, Daniel J. (Natalia) Wanczyk; Niece, Sandra (Troy) Spraker; Uncle, Roy Pulsipher; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. He is preceded in death by his Parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association: Colorado Chapter, 455 Sherman Street #500, Denver, CO 80203.

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