In loving memory of

Robert "Bob" Libera
December 27, 1921 - April 22, 2018

Robert "Bob" Peter Libera, 96 of Winona, died Sunday, April 22, 2018 at Lake Winona Manor.
Bob was born December 27, 1921 in Winona to Ladislaus and Pelagia (Drwall) Libera. He graduated from Cotter High School and attended the University of Minnesota, University of Wisconsin - Madison and Columbia Teachers College. Bob served his country honorably as a Medic in the United States Army; moving with his unit from Luxembourg across most the width of Germany to near Leipzig.
Bob worked for several years in the family business - M. Libera and Sons Grocery. He taught high school English in Clear Lake, WI, Lake City, MN and Winona. He enjoyed opera, operetta, musicals, comedy and all great singing.
He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Mark Caldwell, Lynne Caldwell, Robert (Pam) Caldwell, Peter (Katie) Caldwell, Lori (Bruce) Caldwell Larson, Anthony (Diane) Caldwell, Stephen (Debbie) Drazkowski, Polly Drazkowski and Michael (Cindy) Libera; many great-nieces and nephews and close neighbors who were like family, Joanne Rompa and William & Teresa Schumacher.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David (Ginny) Libera and two sisters, Therese (Barney) Caldwell and Ruth Drazkowski; nieces and nephews, Cathy Durham, David Drazkowski, Ladis Libera and Kathleen Caldwell.
A Celebration of his life will be 3 p.m., Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) Foundation, Orchestra/Band Fund or Winona Volunteer Services/Food Shelf.

Tributes

Cathleen Jo Faruque wrote on May 6, 2018:

"I was fortunate to have Mr. Libera as my English teacher in the mid-1970's at Winona Senior High. Were it not for Mr. Liberia, I think I would have become a high school drop. Instead, I have my Ph.D. in Psychology and I am taught at Winona State University these past 21 years. Mr. Libera inspired my love to write, he was a teacher I could trust and alleviated many fears I had about death after a classmate had passed on. He was always so kind and caring. He loved what he did! I remember listening to music like Steppenwolf and the Doors in his class (while we wrote poetry!). He was an incredible teacher and a wonderful human being! He will be missed! Cathy Faruque, Former Student"

Tammy Ferguson wrote on May 4, 2018:

"I had Mr. Libera for English class at Winona Senior High in the late 1970s. He was a kind, thoughtful, and gentle man. I appreciate that he shared books like Malcolm X in his classroom, and I value the learning from the discussions we had about it. May he rest in peace. Your former student, Tammy Ferguson (St. George, UT)"

Polly Grenier wrote on Apr 27, 2018:

"My dearest Great Uncle Bob, or better known as Gruncle Bob! I have fond memories of our visits, conversations and many many laughs!! I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to visit you again in Minnesota. Fly high! Love you always! Vern, Polly, Kylie, Kendal and baby Kinley Grenier (Mike and Cindy Libera's daughter) Sedro- Woolley, Washington"

April Libera wrote on Apr 27, 2018:

"Dearest Gruncle, you leave a long legacy of love and care and concern for your family and friends. Thank you for that. I have such fond memories of your visits during my childhood, as well as corresponding with you via U.S. postal mail. I was always delighted to receive a letter from you! I hold our recent conversation very dear and am so grateful for it. Please say hello to Grandpa and Grandma for me. I love you. Your grand-niece, April Susan Libera Ingle (Seattle)"