Robert Michael Koronka, a man defined by his devotion to his family, work ethic, endless energy, deep Aggie spirit, and love for his ranch, passed away on February 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 77 years old.
Robert was born to Louis and Jean Koronka in Navasota, Texas, where he began his early school years. As a teenager, his family moved to Bryan, Texas where he became a lifelong resident. Robert graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1966 and was a member of the band. He worked his way through Texas A&M University receiving his Marketing degree in 1971. It was during college that he worked as a dental laboratory technician, which peaked his entrepreneurial spirit to start his own company upon graduation.
Robert was introduced to his future wife, Gloria Lewis, at a pizza shop by Candy Parker, his very good friend and classmate. Robert fell instantly in love with Gloria, married her during college, and they remained married for 57 loving years. Together, they opened Koronka Dental Laboratory, creating smiles for much of the Brazos Valley for over 50 years. Robert loved his craft, working with dental offices and those who worked for him. He was a servant leader who never asked his staff members to do something he would not do himself. He loved working alongside them and considered his staff to be an extension of his family. He particularly loved employing family members and students to help offset college costs, as he knew how hard it was to work your way through college.
He was an extraordinary father to his daughters, Amy, Holly, and Karen. Robert wanted his children to grow up in the country and planned and built a home for them himself after work and on weekends. Later, he became a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather who enjoyed hosting his family for holidays and parties at the ranch house.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Louis Koronka and Jean Koronka Gray.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria, and daughters, Amy Koronka, Holly Koronka Mazzaré (husband Mark), and Karen Koronka Tadlock (husband Shane). He is also survived by his grandchildren Del Lange Jr., Ashley Lange Osborn, Amber Lange, Zoe Mazzaré, Brazos Mazzaré, Brooks Mazzaré, Parker Tadlock, and Gabby Tadlock. He is also survived by his brother, Louis Stanley Koronka (wife Bernadette), seven great-grandchildren, and countless family members and friends.
A visitation for Robert will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 South College Ave, Bryan, Texas 77801. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM on Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will held on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church, 1511 TX-90, Anderson, Texas 77830. Interment will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank Robert’s care team at MD Anderson for their outstanding support over the last few months.
Serving as pallbearers are Del Lange Jr., Art Faz, Daniel Williams, Mike Perrone, Vernon Young, Chris Dewall, Parker Tadlock, Sammy Lampo, Brazos Mazzaré, Brooks Mazzaré, Bill Birdwell, DDS, Craig Anderson, DDS, Bob Hall, DDS, Mike Reece, DDS, Bill Privett, DDS and Bob White, DDS.
