Robert Stopka, 84, passed away on November 8, 2020. He was born March 27, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois to Bruno Stopka and Lillian (Miecznikowski) Stopka. He graduated from J.S. Morton High School in Cicero, Illinois.
Bob, as everyone knew him, joined the U.S. Air Force in March, 1954 at the age of 17 with permission from his parents. Bob joined the service under the buddy system, where two others joined with him, John H. Kotek, and Howard F. Bermel. He received his basic training at Sampson Air Force Base in Geneva, New York. After basic training, he was stationed at Amarillo Air Force Base in Texas where he attended Jet Aircraft Mechanic School. After he completed Jet Aircraft Mechanic School, he was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas. Bob served 14 years in the Air Force and was honorably discharged.
After his military career, Bob would work for several different aircraft companies in different cities, eventually returning to Wichita, where he enlisted in the Army National Guard of Kansas in 1973. Bob would serve in the National Guard for just under 20 years, retiring as Master Sergeant in 1993. Bob’s total military career would span 34 years.
After retiring from the National Guard, Bob would continue working. Bob worked for Avis Rental Car from 1993 until 2013, again retiring at the age of 77.
Bob enjoyed traveling, photography and watching all sports, especially football.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Bruno Stopka Jr. and sister Ruth Obryk.
He is survived by his sons; Robert Stopka, David (Shawna) Stopka, Richard (Cheryll) Stopka, and Daniel Stopka; daughters, Diana (Dan) Little and Debbra (Jerry) Wolfe; grandchildren; Cynthia (Shane) Terry, Bobby (Brandi) Stopka, Michelle (name) Potts, Timothy Stopka, Kristina Stopka, Abby (Michael) Gauna, Casey (Jeremy) Truman, Sara Crandall, Amber (Nicholas) Rizzo, Rebecca Keller, Paige Keller, Mariah (Bryan) Richey and many great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel at Resthaven Mortuary; burial will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Resthaven Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Wounded Warrior Project online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate and then clicking on the Honor and Memorial Donation button, or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
