"As a past volunteer at Homestead, I got to know Bob through conversations with him and others in the fireside lounge area. I found him to be a most likeable and interesting fellow - always welcoming and glad to tLk about any number of topics. He will be missed by many, I have no doubt"
In loving memory of
Robert Sawinski
April 6, 1918 - February 10, 2018
Robert "Bob" W. Sawinski, age 99, of Rochester, passed away peacefully February 10, 2018, surrounded by his family at the Homestead in Rochester. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 16, 2018, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes with a visitation one hour prior to the service. The burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens. Memorials are preferred to Heartland Hospice or Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester.
Robert William Sawinski was born on April 6, 1918, to August and Eva (Jaseph) Sawinski. Bob was raised on a dairy farm in northwest Rochester. He graduated from Rochester Central High School and attended refrigeration training in Chicago. Bob worked in refrigeration for several years before meeting and marrying June Potvin in June 1940. During WWII, Bob worked as an electrician in the U.S. Navy shipyards in San Francisco, CA repairing battleships. He later returned to his home in Rochester. Bob was a 65-year member of the International Electrical Union and worked many years for Foster Electric. He retired from IBM after 25 years. Bob enjoyed his hobbies including hunting and fishing. During his 35 years of retirement, he devoted his time to his tree farm and he especially loved spending time with his family.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Sandra (Ralph) Halvorson of Burnsville and Michele (Michael) Keller of Urbandale, IA; son, Robert (Ava) Sawinski of Zumbro Falls; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, June; brother, Jay Sawinski and sister, Alyse Williams.
Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester MN 55901. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Uncle Bob was a gentleman -- with a big smile, warm heart and caring manner. It was always a pleasure to be around him and to share the Sawinski name with him. We pray he enjoys eternal peace after a very long life, and his family retain the blessings of many fond memories. Dick and Diane Sawinski"
"I remember my uncle Bob as a very happy and loving uncle. Always greeting with a smile. haven't seen him in years. His picture looks like his father. Sorry we cant make it to funeral Love and prayers Bob & Harriet Williams"