Robert Marciniak

Robert "Bob" D. Marciniak, age 75, of Paynesville and formerly of Willmar, died Tuesday afternoon, May 20, at the CentraCare-Paynesville Hospital from complications of respiratory failure.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, May 23, at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer. Interment will be at a later date at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Willmar. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Rice Hospice are preferred. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com
Robert "Bob" Dean Marciniak was born on May 2, 1939, in Drayton, North Dakota, the son of Walter L. and Suzanna M. (Meshefski) Marciniak. He grew up in Elk River, graduated from Elk River High School in 1957 and the Minnesota School of Business in 1961. Bob served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1957 to 1962. On October 8, 1960, in Elk River, Bob was united in marriage to Darlene Minnie Grambart and they made their home in Champlain. In 1967, they moved to Willmar. Bob earned his insurance license and certifications, Certified Life Underwriter and Charter Financial Certification, and worked for over 40 years as an insurance agent for Met Life Company and later Northwestern Life Insurance Company, retiring in 2000. From 1990 to 2000, Bob and Darlene owned and operated the Fluff-N-Puff mobile pillow cleaning service. In 2000, they moved to Paynesville. Bob was an active member in the Willmar community. He served St. Mary's Catholic Church and St. Mary's Religious Education programs in many capacities and the New Ulm Diocesan Religious Education Board. Bob was active with the Knights of Columbus, Willmar Lions Club, Willmar Hockey Association, Willmar Blue Line Club and in 1980 founded the Willmar Summer Hockey Schools program and was known to some as "Willmar's Mr. Hockey". He was the founding member of the Minnesota Valley Life Underwriters and member of the Jolly Twirlers Square Dancing Club. His hobbies included fishing and hunting, gardening, woodworking, bee keeper, dancing, polka music and visiting the casinos. Bob cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene of Paynesville; four children, Doug (and Sheila) Marciniak of Alexandria, Dennis (and Becky) Marciniak of Andover, Stacey (and Bob) Michels of Kailua, Hawaii and John Marciniak of Balsam Lake, WI; and ten grandchildren, Aaron and Ryan Marciniak, Grant and Heather Gilbertson, Katelyn and Lauren Marciniak, Maureen and Jameson Michels and Isabella and Owen Marciniak. Also surviving are two brothers, Terrance (and Barbara) Marciniak of St. Louis Park and James (and Peggy) Marciniak of Andover and one sister, Lynette LuAllin of Houston, TX, besides other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Following the service, all are invited to the Parish Hall for lunch and a time of fellowship. The interment will be held at a later date at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Willmar.
All of Bob's family would like to thank you for taking time to help celebrate his life and legacy. If you notice bowls of orange candy slices and lemon drops that is because besides Darlene, these were Bob's favorite sweet treats.

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