Robert H. "Bosco" Salefski

SPRINGFIELD – Robert H. “Bosco” Salefski, 86, a lifelong resident of Springfield, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 21, 2012.

He was born July 8, 1925, the youngest son of Carl and Marie Salefski. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1943 and from the School of Mortuary Science with honors, St. Louis, MO in 1946. He married Maxine Dutour on January 15, 1950 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Decatur, IL.

Bosco worked at Bisch & Son Funeral Home in Springfield for 56 years. He loved his work and through it, brought comfort to many in their time of grief. He served 4 years on the Board of Illinois Professional Funeral Directors.

Bob belonged to the Elks Lodge #158 for over 50 years, and was a member of both Ski & Boat Club and Island Bay Yacht Club. In retirement, he volunteered at St. Joseph’s Home for 20 years.

He enjoyed playing golf, as well as travel with his wife Maxine. His hobbies included collecting license plates and political buttons, building model railroads, and tending to his yellow Volkswagen convertible. Bosco was a friend to all he met, and cherished his time with family and friends.

Preceding him in death are his parents, sister, Barbara Spiegel, and brother Louis A. Salefski.

He is survived by his wife Maxine, son, Rob (wife Mary Ann), daughter Lynne (husband Dr. John, deceased) Allen, both of Springfield; son, Bill of Lviv, Ukraine; daughter, Julie (husband Guy) Blaszak of Northbrook; 7 grandchildren – Peter (wife Kati) Salefski, Meredith Salefski, John (wife Jennifer) Allen, Jaclyn Allen, Michael Allen, August Blaszak, Elsa Blaszak; and many nieces and nephews. He was looking forward to his first great grandchild, Baby Boy Allen, in September. He will be deeply missed by all.

Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 South Koke Mill Road in Springfield. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 29, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Vaughn Beeman officiating. Private burial will take place at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph’s Home, 3306 South 6th Street Road in Springfield, IL.

Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.