Robert W. Koczka, age 42, of West Bend, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2006, at St. Joseph's Hospital in the Town of Polk.
He was born on January 15, 1964 in Port Washington to William and Judith (nee Morauski) Koczka. Robert was raised in West Bend and graduated from West Bend West High School in 1982.
While Robert was in high school, he began working for City Bakery in West Bend. In 1984, at the age of 20, Robert and his partner, Rich Schommer, purchased the Janzer Bakery in Hartford and became the co-owners of the Hartford Old Fashioned Bakery. He and his partner eventually purchased City Bakery in West Bend and changed the name to Old Fashioned Bakery as well. A short time later the Hartford Bakery was sold and the two ran the Old Fashioned Bakery from their one location on Main St. in West Bend.
Robert loved being outdoors. He enjoyed playing softball in the summer and hunting in the fall. He especially loved bow hunting and turkey hunting.
Robert is survived by his loving mother, Judith Koczka of Rhinelander; his two sisters, Laura (Jim) Perket of Three Lakes, and Cheryl (Jerry) Hirman of Rhinelander; a niece, Nichole Perket of Three Lakes; four nephews, Dustin Perket of Three Lakes, Justin, Christopher, and Ryan Hirman of Rhinelander. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother, Ruth Hartwig of Three Lakes; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, William; his maternal grandfather, Peter Morauski; his maternal step-grandfather Fred Hartwig; his paternal grandparents, Bill and Lois Koczka; and his uncle, Allen Koczka.
A service of celebration in honor of Robert's life will be held on Thursday, July 20, 2006, at 7:00 pm at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral Home in West Bend. Family friend Jim Herther will officiate. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:00 pm until the time of service at 7:00 pm.