Robert James "Bob" Vondracek was born March 1, 1925 in Anthony, Kansas, son of James and Gladys Marie (Sullivan) Vondracek. He grew up in the Kiowa vicinity, graduating from Kiowa High School.

He entered into the United States Army during World War II. Due to his ability to type, the Army used him as a typist in the office, rather than sending him to combat.

On March 7, 1945, Bob married Ruth Williams. They were blessed with two daughters, Betty Lou, who passed in infancy, and Sue. Bob farmed and owned Bob's TV Repair, in Corwin, later moving the business to Anthony.

On December 26, 1963, Bob was united in marriage with Shirley LaPlant Osborn. This union was blessed with one son, Casey, and Shirley's children, Rex and Dana.

Bob and Shirley loved living on the farm by Corwin, before moving to Anthony and later Harper. After selling the farm and TV Repair Business, Bob became a rural mail carrier. A very talented carpenter, he would buy and remodel old houses to sell.

Bob was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Harper, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community. His Catholic faith was very important to him. He attended Mass every day as long as his health and the weather permitted. His stewardship consisted of helping with the yard, construction projects and anything else he could contribute to around the church. Father Peltzer always looked forward to Bob's chocolate chip cookie deliveries, except for when they were getting donated to the youth bake sale instead of to him.

Bob's funny wit and orneriness made him memorable to many people. Everyone always enjoyed his sense of humor and he was proud of that! He made sure the world would always remember this with a special saying on his monument.

On December 13, 2016, Bob passed away at Harper Hospital in Harper, Kansas at the age of 91 years, 9 months and 12 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; infant daughter, Betty Lou; brother, Bill; granddaughter, Traci Misak; and son-in-law, Ray Young.

Bob will be deeply missed by his children: Sue Raberding and husband, Dan, and Casey Vondracek and wife, Ashley; step-children: Rex Osborn and wife, Marvalee, and Dana Young; siblings: Paul Vondracek and Margaret Ann Holcomb; 6 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 4 step-grandchildren; several step-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Mass will be held 2:30 p.m. Friday, December 16, 2016 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Harper, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community with Father Michael Peltzer officiating. Burial will follow in the Harper Cemetery.

Visitation will be held 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Harper.

Memorials may be made to the St. Patrick Catholic Church, of the St. Joan of Arc Parish Community, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 West 14th Street, Harper, KS 67058, is in charge of arrangements.