Robert (Bob/ Bobbie) Joseph Kartarik
Bob passed away peacefully at the age of 86 in United Hospital surrounded by his daughters and granddaughters on New Year’s Day.
Bob was born at Mounds Hospital in Saint Paul on November 12, 1937 to Joseph and Lydia (Unzeitig) Kartarik. He was born the 7th of ten children. He grew up in Saint Paul helping out in his father’s tool and dye shop, graduating from Johnson High School.
He married Bonnie Bechner on November 29, 1958. Bob was drafted into the US Army as a photographer for his unit. He received an honorable discharge in 1960. Later that year they purchased their forever home where they raised Mary Jo and Ida, and two of Bonnie’s siblings. Over the years they welcomed many family and friends to live with them, including several exchange students.
Bob opened his own printing and lithograph shop in St. Paul. He and Bonnie did so well that they had to expand and move to a larger space. Kartarik Litho Service was so successful that they had an article written in the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He was on the Board of Printing and Lithograph at 916 Vo-Tech. He was Vulcan for the Winter Carnival as well as an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Bonnie (Bechner) Kartarik, parents Joseph and Lydia Kartarik. Siblings Henry (Shirley) Kartarik, Elsie (Patrick) O’Boyle, Marie Kartarik, Vera (Mike) Jansen, Betty Kartarik, and John Kartarik.
Bob is survived by his loving daughters Mary Jo (Jeffrey) Gorectke and Ida (Carlos) Peña. Granddaughters Mallissa and Monica Gorectke and grandsons Carlos (Brittany) Peña, Daniel (Laura) Peña, and Erik Peña. Great grandchildren: Matthew, Levi, Carter, Thompson, Sloane. Sisters Joanne (David) Faribault and Cindy (Richard) Procia, sister-in-law Christine Hauwiller, brother-in-law Mike Jansen and countless nephews and nieces. He will also be very missed by the many friends he has helped over the years.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, Friday, June 14, 2024 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley Ave., St. Paul Park, MN 55071. Interment will follow at the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Cemetery, St. Paul Park, MN. All are invited to join the family following the burial for a meal. Memorials are preferred.
