Robert Lee Waitkunas

Robert Lee Waitkunas, 81, of Big Prairie, passed away peacefully on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023 at LifeCare Hospice in Wooster after a period of declining health.

Bob was born on Aug. 9, 1941 in Shadyside, OH to Alex and Jennie (First) Waitkunas.  He honorably served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959 – 1963 and had made his home in the Wooster area all of his life.  He had worked at Riverview Industrial Wood Products and had enjoyed guns, cars, motorcycles and watching Western Movies.

Surviving are his children, Tina Elser, Debbie (Tim) Sargeant, Robert Jr. (Laura) Waitkunas, James (Ruthie) Cottrell, Tom (Cathy) Ewing and Evelyn “Lynn” (David) Vasil; 11 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren; a brother, Joe (Kim) Waitkunas and his former wife and caregiver, Charlotte.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents, a son, Jody Lee Waitkunas; sister, Jean Baker and a brother, Ronald Waitkunas.

Memorial services will be Saturday, Jan. 28th at 1:00 p.m. at Murray Funeral Home in Fredericksburg with burial following in Fredericksburg East Cemetery.