Robert Vajnar
Robert Vajnar
Robert Vajnar, 82, well known Tampa area farmer, died Sept. 25, 2003, near Burdick.
He was born Aug. 1, 1921, near Tampa, the son of the late Anton and Frantiska (Chodl) Vajnar.
During World War II, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He spent three years fighting in the Pacific Theater and was discharged with the rank of sergeant. He was cited for service beyond the call of duty and awarded the Bronze Star.
After his discharge, he sometimes drove a truck for the Svitak family but spent most of his productive years farming the place where he was born.
On Aug. 23, 1970, he married Jane Cook at Carneiro and brought her to the farm. In 1989 they retired from farming and moved to Tampa.
In his retirement, he enjoyed working in his tool shop and garden.
He was a member of First Baptist Church of Durham, Moffitt/Crandall American Legion Post at Tampa, and the Abilene Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Anton, Jr., Joe, and George; and sisters, Anna and Christine (who died in infancy), Frances Brunner, Elsie Kraus, and Agnes Pecinovsky.
Survivors include his spouse, Jane, of the home in Tampa; brother, Jerry Vajnar of Newton; and 15 nieces and nephews.
Services were held Monday morning at First Baptist Church, Durham, with Pastor Curtis Wiens officiating.
Casket bearers were Jesse Brunner, Russell Kerbs, Dave Hein, Kelly Novak, Jim Costello and Dan Oborny. Honorary casket bearers were Gene Costello, Ed Costello, Gus Hamm, and Willis Herbel.
Musicians were Eleanor Herbel, organist, and Autumn Chisholm and Jim Hein, vocalists.
Burial was in Durham Park Cemetery. Moffitt/Crandall American Legion Post of Tampa provided the honor guard.
Memorial funds in his name have been established at the church at Durham and the Moffitt/Crandall American Legion Post at Tampa.
