Robert (Bob, aka Rozy) Ruzicka Sr. was born on September 28, 1938. Bob was called by God unexpectedly on December 15, 2024. 
Funeral will take place Friday, December 27, at St. Wenceslaus Church at 11:00 a.m. celebrated by Rev. Kenneth Glaser.
in Cedar Rapids to Mathew (Rozy) and Mary (Nanny) Sejnoha Ruzicka. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Theresa Michalec Ruzicka, and his children, Robert Jr. (aka Bobbi) and Pamela (Chris) Stark, both of Cedar Rapids. Bob was a proud grandfather to three amazing grandchildren who deeply cared for him: Nick, Sam, and Nicole (aka Coco) Stark.
Bob was the second oldest of six children. His surviving siblings include Mike Ruzicka (Mary Henderson) and Denny (Karan) Ruzicka. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Sister Mary Frances Michalec, Rosie Harvey, and Barbara Ruzicka, as well as brothers-in-law Alan Smejkal (Sybil Merfeld), Bob, Mike, Bill and Phil Michalec, all of Cedar Rapids. Bob was also deeply loved by many nieces and nephews, as well as three very special people: Elena Minor, Max Kaiser and Kevin Kadlec.
Bob grew up in the Stumptown neighborhood of Cedar Rapids and met his future wife, Theresa, at St. Wenceslaus High School. This November, they celebrated 65 years of marriage. Over the past 19 months, Bob became a devoted caregiver to Theresa after she battled ovarian cancer and complications from surgery. He took over the household chores she had managed for 63 years. The couple enjoyed outings to St. Ludmila's Bingo and the Meskwaki Casino, where Theresa loved playing the Sizzlers and Bob stood by her side, handing her twenties. Among their favorite memories together, they recently took two trips to see Theresa's favorite singer, Daniel O'Donnell.
Bob cherished every moment spent with his family. He and Theresa were blessed to care for their grandchildren until they started school. Nick and Sam spent countless days helping Grandpa with projects, while Coco entertained him with her elaborate stories, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Sunday dinners at Pam and Chris' house were especially meaningful to him; he loved listening to his family's stories. As he left, he'd always hug Pam and say with a big grin, "Well Pam, another great job." Food and desserts were truly a way to his big heart.
Bob was predeceased by his oldest son, Randi, on June 14, 2023, after a battle with renal cancer that metastasized to his brain. Despite these challenges, Bob's loyalty to his family never wavered, with him visiting both Randi in hospice and Theresa in the hospital daily to support them.
Bob's first job was at Stusak Meats in Czechtown, where he worked for Bo and Jessie Stusak during high school. They remained lifelong friends. After graduating from St. Wenceslaus High School in 1957, Bob began working two jobs: at the Cedar Rapids Block Company and Collins Radio. In 1962, he and Theresa built their first and only home, paying it off in just seven years -- an accomplishment he took great pride in. He continued working at Collins Radio until his retirement at age 55. Despite not attending college, Bob had the mind of a mechanical engineer, capable of fixing anything. His grandsons, inspired by hours spent watching him work, both became engineers.
Even after retiring, Bob kept himself busy helping others. He often said he was busier in retirement than when he was working.
Bob and his family began making trips to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in 1970. His first visit was a meaningful one -- accompanying his mother to visit her brother, Louie Sejnoha, and his family. In 1985, they flew to Florida for the first time, marking the beginning of a new tradition. Over the years, these annual trips became a cherished part of Bob's life, as he continued to visit the Sejnoha extended family every year. His final trip to Florida took place just last December.
Bob played a key role in his brother Ronnie's dream of transforming the CSPS Hall in Solon, Iowa, into Ruzicka's Meat Processing, which opened in 1981. Though the business was tragically destroyed by fire in 1988, Bob rebuilt it, earning lifelong gratitude from his nephew Jeff, who often said, "I wouldn't be anything without Uncle Bob."
Bob loved fishing and cherished the many trips he shared with family and friends. Among his favorite places was the cabin in Canada, originally owned by the Stusak family and Ron Landergott, later ownership changed to his nephew Steve Beer and friend Herm Reininga. Starting in 1980, Bob made annual visits to the cabin, continuing until this summer, often making up to three trips in a season.
Bob was instrumental in maintaining and upgrading the cabin and its grounds. In early days, visitors relied on hand-pumped lake water, bathed by jumping into the lake, and used the woods for necessities. Thanks to Bob's efforts, the cabin was modernized with running water, a hot shower, and a flushing toilet -- transformations that improved everyone's experience. His knack for fixing and improving things truly made anything seem possible.
He shared his passion for fishing with Bobbi, Chris, Nick, Sam, his brothers Mike and Denny, his nephews Jeff and Steve, and countless other family members and friends. Bob also enjoyed pheasant hunting with Ron and deer hunting with his brother Mike. Each day for Bob began with the Gazette sudoku puzzle. He firmly believed his day couldn't start until the puzzle was solved.
Bob was a lifelong member of St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church who cared deeply for his church and community. Bob invested his time and skills in tangible ways that had a lasting impact. Alongside friends Jim Piersall and Bob Kazimour, they contributed significantly to the parish's well-being. After the devastating 2008 flood, Bob and his brother-in-law, Jerry Beer, led efforts to restore St. Wenceslaus Church in just three months, enabling the celebration of St. Wenceslaus Day that September. His expertise also revived the Glovik Parish Center's four flood-damaged boilers, which he meticulously repaired after studying their manuals. A true example of service and faith in action.
A longtime member of FSCLA (Catholic Workmen/Cadets), Bob played a vital role in organizing meetings and dinners. On the day he passed, Bob was working on their Christmas party luncheon at St. Wenceslaus. True to his wishes, he left this "world quickly and before Theresa", doing what he loved: serving his church and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his son Randi Ruzicka; his parents, Mathew and Mary Ruzicka; his brother Ronnie Ruzicka; his sisters Patricia Beer and Mary Lou Smejkal; his in-laws, Frank and Mary Michalec; and sisters-in-laws Sue Ruzicka, Joni Miller and Patti Smith and brothers-in-law Jerry Beer, Frank "Butch", Benny and Bernie Michalec.
Dad, you were the most devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. Our lives were deeply impacted by your kind heart and unwavering support. We will miss you dearly.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Wenceslaus Church.