Robert Alan Kaekel

Known to family and friends as Bobby or Bob, he spent his first birthday and the rest of his childhood on Anna Maria Island. Bobby began his faith formation at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach, where he served as an altar boy. He would have been excited and hopeful to welcome Leo XIV as Pope.

Bobby attended Anna Maria Elementary, Walker Junior High, and Manatee High School, graduating in the class of 1967. He attended Manatee Junior College.

As a child, Bobby collected seashells and postage stamps. He sold Christmas cards door-to-door. He had a lifelong and all-encompassing interest in the American Civil War and was especially proud of his Rice and Stebbins ancestors who fought on the Union side. His interest took the family to Civil War battlefields in the summer, always looking for “minie balls”.

As an adult, he was interested in orchids and collected many from Central America.

Bob is survived by his daughter Ashley (Luis), grandchildren Rosalina, Julia, and Thiago, sister Julie (Dan), Aunts Charline and Lucy, and many cousins across the country.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated and interred in Mansion Memorial Park.

For those wishing to, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Stillpoint Mission, P.O. Box 619, Bradenton, FL 34206