Robert Nechanicky

ROBERT NECHANICKY

Cedar Rapids

Robert Nechanicky, 84, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, April 8, 2016, from complications of pneumonia. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 12, at 10 a.m. at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories. A visitation will be Monday, April 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chapel of Memories Stateroom. Burial will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded.

Robert was born in 1931 on the family farm near Buckingham, Iowa. He graduated from Traer High School in Traer, where he was very active in high school sports, including track, baseball and football, and voted most outstanding athlete. He then attended Iowa State University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in engineering. While there he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and ROTC. He was commissioned in the Air Force and served during the Korean War.

He was very proud of his military service and was fortunate to be able to go to Washington, D.C., as part of the Honor Flight program.

He began his professional career at Amana Refrigeration, where he retired after working there for over 30 years.

He was a very enthusiastic lifelong fan of all things Iowa State University and also a fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes (when they weren't playing the Cyclones!). He was an avid fisherman, morel mushroom hunter and loved to play bridge with a neighborhood bridge club in his younger days. He also loved to travel around the world where his trips included destinations of Europe and Alaska, as well as Australia.

However, the greatest joy in Papa Nick's long life was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bob aka "Nick" is survived by his wife, Charlotte Janda-Nechanicky, whom he married in May 1990; daughter, Joanne Philips (Dave) of Belle Plaine; son, Jeff Nechanicky (Penny) of Washington, D.C.; daughter, Barbara Fishman (John) of Swisher; son, John Nechanicky (Mindi) of Suwanee, Ga.; stepdaughter, Julie Copeland (Parrish) of Cedar Rapids; and Jeff Janda (Lara) of San Diego, Calif. He also is survived by 20 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sisters, Celia Scott (William) and Mildred Nechanicky, both of Waterloo. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, William and Marie Nechanicky; brothers, Marcel and William; and two sons, Stuart Nechanicky (Shari) and Richard Nechanicky (Beth).

Memorials may be made in his name to American Legion Post 671, Swisher, IA 52338.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.