Robert "Bob" Hosek, 83, passed away December 29, 2005. He was born December 13, 1922 in Laredo, Texas, and adopted by James R. and Maria Hosek as an infant.
After a local hop with a barnstormer at the age of 8, flying became his interest and passion. Working at the local aerodrome he learned enough to solo at the age of 16.
Like so many of his generation, Bob walked away from South Texas as a high school senior, into World War II on December 8, 1941, and never looked back. After training in the U.S. Army Air Corps he served in the European Theatre as a heavy-bomber pilot. After WWII, he continued with the U.S. Air Force for another 20 years, retiring in 1964, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He flew biplanes in his youth and became among the first to fly jets in the service of his country. He became an operations officer and rose to regional commander in NORAD in the northern-plains states. He was the recipient of the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Air Commendation Medal.
In Miami Beach, while on R&R from WWII duty, he met and wooed his soul mate, Althea Lehnen. They married on December 28, 1945, and their union produced three unique sons: Michael K.; Bryan K.; and Eric K. The love of mother and father was completed with the adoption of Janie in 1968.
While a military career meant frequent relocation, Bob and Thea always ensured that each new air base house became a family home, and stray dogs were welcome. The family enjoyed many outdoor adventures together wherever they were stationed.
After a successful military career, Bob joined the Square D Company and retired again after 21 years as a production control manager in the Peru plant. Bob and Thea's last relocation was to Bloomington in 1991. Their summer home was Montana, and their winter home remained the beaches of Florida.
Survived by his lifelong companion of 60 years and one day; the four children and seven grandchildren, the "Colonel" was another quiet, but proud member of the "greatest generation." This man was not afraid of anything, including death. He knew the value of hard work and a dollar. He was good with a shotgun, and always a friend to animals. While he might have been tough to love, his love was never questioned.
Funeral were conducted on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington.
After a local hop with a barnstormer at the age of 8, flying became his interest and passion. Working at the local aerodrome he learned enough to solo at the age of 16.
Like so many of his generation, Bob walked away from South Texas as a high school senior, into World War II on December 8, 1941, and never looked back. After training in the U.S. Army Air Corps he served in the European Theatre as a heavy-bomber pilot. After WWII, he continued with the U.S. Air Force for another 20 years, retiring in 1964, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He flew biplanes in his youth and became among the first to fly jets in the service of his country. He became an operations officer and rose to regional commander in NORAD in the northern-plains states. He was the recipient of the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Air Commendation Medal.
In Miami Beach, while on R&R from WWII duty, he met and wooed his soul mate, Althea Lehnen. They married on December 28, 1945, and their union produced three unique sons: Michael K.; Bryan K.; and Eric K. The love of mother and father was completed with the adoption of Janie in 1968.
While a military career meant frequent relocation, Bob and Thea always ensured that each new air base house became a family home, and stray dogs were welcome. The family enjoyed many outdoor adventures together wherever they were stationed.
After a successful military career, Bob joined the Square D Company and retired again after 21 years as a production control manager in the Peru plant. Bob and Thea's last relocation was to Bloomington in 1991. Their summer home was Montana, and their winter home remained the beaches of Florida.
Survived by his lifelong companion of 60 years and one day; the four children and seven grandchildren, the "Colonel" was another quiet, but proud member of the "greatest generation." This man was not afraid of anything, including death. He knew the value of hard work and a dollar. He was good with a shotgun, and always a friend to animals. While he might have been tough to love, his love was never questioned.
Funeral were conducted on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington.
Robert "Bob" Hosek, 83, passed away December 29, 2005. He was born December 13, 1922 in Laredo, Texas, and adopted by James R. and Maria Hosek as an infant.
After a local hop with a barnstormer at the age of 8, flying became his interest and passion. Working at the local aerodrome he learned enough to solo at the age of 16.
Like so many of his generation, Bob walked away from South Texas as a high school senior, into World War II on December 8, 1941, and never looked back. After training in the U.S. Army Air Corps he served in the European Theatre as a heavy-bomber pilot. After WWII, he continued with the U.S. Air Force for another 20 years, retiring in 1964, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He flew biplanes in his youth and became among the first to fly jets in the service of his country. He became an operations officer and rose to regional commander in NORAD in the northern-plains states. He was the recipient of the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Air Commendation Medal.
In Miami Beach, while on R&R from WWII duty, he met and wooed his soul mate, Althea Lehnen. They married on December 28, 1945, and their union produced three unique sons: Michael K.; Bryan K.; and Eric K. The love of mother and father was completed with the adoption of Janie in 1968.
While a military career meant frequent relocation, Bob and Thea always ensured that each new air base house became a family home, and stray dogs were welcome. The family enjoyed many outdoor adventures together wherever they were stationed.
After a successful military career, Bob joined the Square D Company and retired again after 21 years as a production control manager in the Peru plant. Bob and Thea's last relocation was to Bloomington in 1991. Their summer home was Montana, and their winter home remained the beaches of Florida.
Survived by his lifelong companion of 60 years and one day; the four children and seven grandchildren, the "Colonel" was another quiet, but proud member of the "greatest generation." This man was not afraid of anything, including death. He knew the value of hard work and a dollar. He was good with a shotgun, and always a friend to animals. While he might have been tough to love, his love was never questioned.
Funeral were conducted on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington.
After a local hop with a barnstormer at the age of 8, flying became his interest and passion. Working at the local aerodrome he learned enough to solo at the age of 16.
Like so many of his generation, Bob walked away from South Texas as a high school senior, into World War II on December 8, 1941, and never looked back. After training in the U.S. Army Air Corps he served in the European Theatre as a heavy-bomber pilot. After WWII, he continued with the U.S. Air Force for another 20 years, retiring in 1964, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He flew biplanes in his youth and became among the first to fly jets in the service of his country. He became an operations officer and rose to regional commander in NORAD in the northern-plains states. He was the recipient of the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Air Commendation Medal.
In Miami Beach, while on R&R from WWII duty, he met and wooed his soul mate, Althea Lehnen. They married on December 28, 1945, and their union produced three unique sons: Michael K.; Bryan K.; and Eric K. The love of mother and father was completed with the adoption of Janie in 1968.
While a military career meant frequent relocation, Bob and Thea always ensured that each new air base house became a family home, and stray dogs were welcome. The family enjoyed many outdoor adventures together wherever they were stationed.
After a successful military career, Bob joined the Square D Company and retired again after 21 years as a production control manager in the Peru plant. Bob and Thea's last relocation was to Bloomington in 1991. Their summer home was Montana, and their winter home remained the beaches of Florida.
Survived by his lifelong companion of 60 years and one day; the four children and seven grandchildren, the "Colonel" was another quiet, but proud member of the "greatest generation." This man was not afraid of anything, including death. He knew the value of hard work and a dollar. He was good with a shotgun, and always a friend to animals. While he might have been tough to love, his love was never questioned.
Funeral were conducted on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington.
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