Robert Anthony (Janka) Janka

Robert A. Janka, age 84, died Saturday January 28, 2023 in Arcadia, Wisconsin. He died peacefully surrounded by his family. He was a kind and generous man, who dedicated his life to helping others reach their potential.

He was born to Anthony and Stella Janka and spent his childhood in Cicero, Illinois. He attended Saint Mary's College in Winona, MN where he met his wife, Marilyn Wolf. They married August 5, 1961. Early in his career he taught middle school and high school in the Midwest. After earning a masters degree from the University of Iowa he worked as a school administrator in Craig, Colorado and later Elko, Nevada. In his retirement, his daily routine consisted of a Chips Ahoy cookie breakfast, a trip to Burger King which he called the "office," and monitoring his stock investments. He supported his community by attending events for the Elko Boys and Girls Club and the Northeastern Nevada Museum.

Bob loved woodworking. He became a skilled furniture maker and spent many happy hours in his shop crafting treasures for his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling with friends and family. He enjoyed sailing in the Bahamas and Florida. His travels took him throughout Europe, Argentina, and Chile. Especially memorable trips were a pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Bosnia-Herzegovina and to his ancestral home in Swiatniki Wielkie, Poland.

Bob was a storyteller and enjoyed good conversation with family and friends. He enjoyed his years with Marilyn in Elko, Nevada before moving to Wisconsin in the weeks before his passing. He especially appreciated the many visits, phone calls, and video chats that he received near the end of his life.

Bob was devoted to his family and children. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, John and Hank Janka. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, and their children: Carol Janka (Tim Putz), Bob Janka, Trish Sandoz (Justin), and Lynn Janka. Grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Jared Putz and Christine Tran and their children Mason and Olive; Jordan and Sheila Putz and their children Rayna, Hadley, and Laikyn; Jenna Putz, Joe Putz, Abby Sandoz, Andrew Sandoz, Bre Janka and Amelia Janka.

A burial and memorial celebration will be April 22, in Stacyville, Iowa.

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