of Mountain Home, AR
May 18, 2022
Mr. Robert Cwiak, 100, of Mountain Home, Arkansas passed away peacefully on May 18, 2022, in Mountain Home with his children by his side. Bob was born on October 17, 1921, in Chicago, Illinois to Joseph and Valerie (Vanders) Cwiak.
After high school, Bob enrolled at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, in their architectural program. However, shortly after starting his coursework, World War II broke out and Bob felt the need to do his duty for his country and enlisted in the Army Air Corps as a bombardier in B-24s, stationed primarily in Italy. At war's end, he re-enrolled at the Illinois Institute of Technology to complete his degree in architecture. Shortly after graduating, he opened his own architectural business in Park Ridge, IL, designing many residential, commercial and civic structures in the greater Chicago area, including the house in which he helped raise his family. Near the end of his career, he became an architect for the city of Chicago until his retirement in 1986. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to Mountain Home.
Two pastimes Bob always loved in life were time spent on Madeline Island on Lake Superior and woodworking. Many family stories have been told and retold about his island adventures. And every family member has at least one hand-crafted treasure on display in our homes, mementos of him forever.
In 1947, Bob married the love of his life, Mary Jane Harmon, and together they had four children; Margaret (Peg), James (Jim), Nancy and John. Bob and Mary Jane were married for 65 years before Jane's passing in 2012.
Bob is survived by 3 children; Peggy Savides (Paul), Nancy Pautz (Steve) and John Cwiak (Amy); 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 14 nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane; his son, Jim and one grandson, Steven Michael Pautz; his parents and sister, as well as many family and friends.
Bob's family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staffs at Southern Meadows Assisted Living and the Hospice of the Ozarks for their loving care and compassion provided to dad.
Bob was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church in Mountain Home. A memorial mass will be held at 10:00am at St. Peter the Fisherman in Mountain Home on May 25, 2022. Inurnment will be in All Saint Cemetery in Des Plaines, Illinois at a later date.
One final word: Bob seldom complained about events in his life, especially events that he had no control over. His favorite saying, always, was ''That's the way the mop flops!'' Great words to remember in our lives!! Thank you, dad!
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8 Condolence(s)
Carol j Cerny
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
I don't think I've ever met a happier fellow! He loved to laugh and got a charge out of making other people laugh with him. He had said that if you couldn't have fun then it wasn't worth doing. And his pride and joy was his "Aooga" horn on his VW. If he knew you or not he would push it and keep drive away waving and laughing, even at 5 miles and hour. He was a character, for sure! And I can certainly see him flying around heaven with another AOOGA horn.
We shall truly miss him.
The Cupcake
Monday, May 23, 2022
Bob was my "Little Buddy", and we had wonderful times just doing stuff. He loved his morning walks because all the mailboxes needed to be counted. He loved his computer time to prepare memories for his wonderful family. He loved his country and told many stories of his bombardier days. He was kind and thoughtful to every person he met. His sense of humor was second to none. When asked how to pronounce CWIAK, his last name, he politely answered "Smith". He was blessed by the Honor Flight program, and no one was prouder than Bob. He lived "LIFE" to the fullest and touched many thankful friends because they knew him. I can only imagine. . . . . .
Hardy Banks
Monday, May 23, 2022
Sending hugs to each of Bob's family. I have so many memories of Bob. He became one of my best friends and one of the best neighbors a person could wish to have. We spent a lot of time talking about his adventures in the service and looking at pictures of the bombers. We usually had a weekly meeting on Monday evening and he always had an agenda for us with his computer. He loved to download photos and make photo stories and send to his family. He loved you all dearly. He was always busy working on something or helping someone. The first time we met, I was working on my lawn sprinkler and he came across the street to see what I was doing. He stayed right there with me, offering suggestions until I was finished. From that point on, I called him "Inspector Bob". I am very blessed to have known such a wonderful man. I will miss you dear friend, but I know I will see you again!
Cathy Munro
Sunday, May 22, 2022
My Uncle Bob was such a blessing in life, not only to me, his
Niece, but to all who had the honor and privilege to know him.
His kindness and caring knew no boundaries. He had quite a sense
of humor and a wonderful spirit in life. I will always miss him and what
he taught me. I will always be grateful that he was my Uncle. His memory
will forever be eternal.
John and Betty Gregory
Saturday, May 21, 2022
We have so many wonderful memories of Bob. He was always such an upbeat person and we always enjoyed times spent together. He was so proud of his service to our country as we were proud of his. Bob will fondly live forever in our hearts.
Darla Casady and Ray Cowan
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Bob was a wonderful neighbor. Always happy and full of stories.
Ken and Shirley Wilson
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Our country has lost a true patriot, a WWII Veteran. Loved being around Bob and so happy to have gotten to know him. He loved to join in the music with his kazoo, especially when listening to a “train songâ€. Rest in peace Bob. â¤ï¸
Colleen Cerny
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Bob was a great friend and neighbor. We will really miss him!