Robert John Lorek

Robert "Bob" Lorek, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, passed away at his home in Mountain Home, Arkansas, age 88, on October 14, 2024. Bob was born on February 22, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Helen Kurc Lorek. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Bob honorably served his country during the Korean War. On August 31, 1955, he married the love of his life, Carol Ann Asselborn, in Cicero, Illinois. Together, they built a family and shared 60 years of marriage filled with laughter, adventure, and cherished memories. Bob dedicated 35 years of his career to Universal Oil Products, Inc., where he served as the drafting department supervisor. The couple moved from Indian Head Park, Illinois, to Mountain Home, Arkansas in 1992.

Bob was an active and beloved member of the community. He enjoyed membership in the Lake Norfork Boat Club, Elks Lodge #1714, and Alley-White American Legion Post #52. His faith was an essential part of his life, and he was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church. Bob loved to dance with his favorite tunes playing in the background. He held a special fondness for The Rolling Stones. Whether he was tuning in to KTLO, his favorite local radio station, or hosting gatherings with family and friends, Bob had an incredible ability to turn any occasion into a party. Bob’s greatest joy in life was his family, he treasured every moment spent with them.

Bob will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him. He is survived by his daughter, Jeannine (Ted) Grodecki of Mountain Home, AR, and Sandra (Jim) Thompson of Alpharetta, GA; 9 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Ann Lorek; parents, John and Helen Lorek; son, Robert John Lorek, Jr.; daughter, Nancy Ludwig; great-grandson, Nick Ludwig; and his dear friend and companion, Sandra Walker.

Visitation will be Monday, October 28, 2024, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home Chapel, with a Vigil at 7:00 pm. A Memorial Mass for Bob will be 10:00 am, Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at St. Peter The Fisherman Catholic Church, with Father Norbert Rappold officiating. Inurnment will be in the Kirby's Tucker Memorial Mausoleum, Mountain Home, Arkansas.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.