Bob Vohnoutka
September 17, 1933 - March 14, 2022
Robert F. “Bob” Vohnoutka, age 88, of Prior Lake, formerly of New Prague, died suddenly on March 14, 2022 at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital. Bob was born on September 17, 1933 at home at Cedar Lake to Frank and Bessie (Pavlicek) Vohnoutka. He attended country school at St. Patrick and then New Prague Elementary School. Bob entered the US Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict from 1953-57. Shortly after discharge, he met the beautiful young woman who would become his wife. Delilah “Dee” Korbel and Bob were married at St. Wenceslaus Church in New Prague on January 25, 1958 and made their home and raised their four children in New Prague. Bob worked for Dick Korbel Products for 11 years in several capacities before working in construction for Busch/Witt Construction for 24 years. He finished out his career as the Head of the New Prague Street Department for 7 years before full retirement.
Bob epitomized the best of a New Prague businessman, with a high code of conduct, following a strict moral code where one did not deviate from the rules. He was well respected and well loved, with an easy going nature, a kind and generous heart, and a willingness to help out anyone in need. Meeting him for the first time meant you had a friend for life!
He enjoyed many activities, his favorite being fishing but he also enjoyed the many hunting trips in the early years with his children and grandchildren. He was a member of both a trap-shooting and a bowling league and played baseball for 4 teams in both the River Valley and DRS leagues. He could always be enticed to join a good game of Euchre. His love of the outdoors saw him accompanied by his favorite furry companion, whether it be on a daily walk or whetting a line off the dock. He remained active and involved until the day he died and his robust, easy-going, affable nature will be missed by the family that lit up his life and his many friends.
Bob is survived by his wife, Dee, of Prior Lake; children Robert (Kathy) Vohnoutka of Eden Prairie, Desiree (Randi) Church of Cedar Lake, Dawn (Keith) Peters of Phoenix, AZ, Ginger Pung of Apple Valley; grandchildren, Bryan Vohnoutka (Sara Thimmesch), Katie Vohnoutka (fiancé, Cory Larson), Jude (Holly) Atkinson, Dane (Katy) Atkinson; great-grandchildren, Jace, Hayden, Ethan, & Cohen Atkinson; sister, Rosemary (Ron) Borchardt of CA; brother, Joe Vohnoutka of New Prague; sisters-in-law, Darlene Vohnoutka of Eden Prairie, Kathleen Vohnoutka of Battle Lake. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Archie, George, Richard, & Francis Vohnoutka; sisters, Angeline Busch, Eleanor Jacobs, Marian Rafdal.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 3:30 PM at Bruzek Funeral Home. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 1:00 to 3:30 PM. Burial will take place at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, March 28th.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to New Prague Veterans Memorial. Checks should be made out to the Memorial.
Lila! Gene Schmid just informed me about Bob—I am SO sorry to hear this! Not only for him but for you too. I always liked him. I understand there will be a class reunion at the fish tail on May 1 at 4 PM. I am planning to come in I hope you can be there too so we can talk. If not my email address should be included here so why don’t you contact me? You are definitely in my thoughts.
Wow! What a handsome guy! I never knew you, but your daughter Desiree always talked about you: Good times at the lake, your passion for fishing and love for your family. You were loved very much and will be missed. I don’t know what heaven will be like, but I some how think you will be at the lake..
We were so sad to hear about Bob. We have been keeping Dee, Desiree and all your family in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time for you all.
I feel fortunate to have gotten to know Bob these past few years. He was such a friendly, nice guy with a kind and fun spirit. We will miss him alot.
Tim and Debbie Kidder
Dee, Our most sincere sympathy on Bob’s death. So sorry to hear that. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. The Vohnoutka family rode on the same school bus as we did, years ago. I knew Francis, and Bob was a little older than me, but I still saw him often. We never know when our loved ones will leave us, as in the case of Dar…so suddenly. May God comfort you at this very hard time in your life. Blessings. Don & Rosie Hauer
To Dee and family, It is so hard to accept that Bob has moved on, I extend my sympathy to all the family. Bob and you and all your family have accepted me with Lando and enjoyed dinners and party times with you, Sending my love and May God Bless .
He was such a kind man. It is a terrible loss. My prayers go out to Dee and family.
Such a gentleman, always friendly and with a laugh and smile.
Absolutely the greatest man I have had the pleasure to know. Spent many hours with him in fishing boats, duck blinds and deer stands. Hardest working, most honest and engaging guy I’ve ever seen…and he really worked hard…no desk jobs for him….and I never heard him complain once. A great inspiration and example to all that knew him…especially to his family and grandchildren. A great man is defined as someone who doesn’t remind us of anyone else…and Bob was definitely one of a kind. He will be missed greatly.
I just met Bob last year when I moved into Grainwood Apartments and felt he had known me for years, such a friend I will miss our visits .
I remember Bob with many good thoughts. He was absolutely one of nicest men I had ever met. I played baseball with his son in high school and always remember him being at our games with always something nice to say. Rest in peace bob and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
God Bless,
Harold Stevens