In loving memory of
Robert Plonka
October 17, 2008
Robert John Plonka, 69, of Quincy, IL died Friday, October 17, 2008, after a long illness.
He was born April 22, 1939, in Detroit, MI, the son of John Stanley and Jean Wonsil Plonka. On July 23, 1960, he married Margaret Marr in East Lansing, MI. She survives.
As a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Math and Physics, he was a lifelong Spartan fan. His passion was broadcasting and he worked at CBS in New York City before coming to Quincy in October 1976. He was a Principal Systems Engineer at Harris Corporation for 26 years and held 19 patents. In October 2000, he was awarded the IEEE Matti S. Siukola Memorial Award for presenter of the year and in January 2008 Harris Corporation was awarded a Technology & Engineering Emmy Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences based on ATSC filter technology pioneered by him.
A proud and devoted family man, family was his number one priority and he always showed enthusiastic love and support for all of his children's and grandchildren's endeavors. He loved nature and being an avid outdoorsman, he especially loved canoeing and fishing. A true Renaissance man, his interests ranged from chopping wood, to appreciating Mozart, to duct tape technology, to daring to "explore strange new worlds...to seek out new life; new civilizations...to boldly go where no one has gone before!"
Left behind are six children: Susan Plonka of Quincy, Deanne Montgomery and husband Nelson of Buffalo, NY, Steven Plonka and wife Martinha of Fredericksburg, VA, Caroline Bowman and husband Doug of Williamsburg, VA, Kristen Duffy and husband Kevin of New York, NY, and Brian Plonka of Quincy; twelve grandchildren: Schaenon, Maelan and Aedan Denum all of Quincy, Ryan, Dallin, Aaron, Carissa and Benjamin Plonka of Fredericksburg, VA, Daniel, Hannah, David and Sarah Bowman of Williamsburg, VA; two brothers: Jim Plonka and wife Joanne of St. Charles, MO, John Plonka and wife Nancy of Utica, MI, and one sister Joan Hlinka and husband Ed of Carol Stream, IL; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.
Services: 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 22nd at Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery.
Visitation: 4:00 - 7:00 pm Tuesday, October 21st at Hansen-Spear
Memorials: Adams County Association for Retarded Citizens, Transitions of Western Illinois or the Alzheimer's Association
Website: www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.