Robert Zakrajsek

In loving memory of our dear father who passed away recently.  Robert James Zakrajsek lived to be 85 and died unexpectedly Tuesday, August 9, 2022 in his Escondido, CA home. One of the hardest things in life is to say goodbye to a loved one and even harder when it’s our father. We’d like to say he was an amazing Dad and we were honored to have him in our lives.

Robert was born to Laudomar Zakrajsek and Elizabeth Jegloski-Zakrajsek in Nashwauk, MN on January 24, 1937. Robert had 2 siblings Kenneth and Elizabeth (Betty) who, unfortunately, are not with us anymore. He was raised in Nashwauk, MN through High School and early college and was a standout running back for Nashwauk High School. Robert received several offers from prominent colleges only to sustain an injury to his knee late senior year. Robert was united in marriage to Joyce Sharen Workman on June 2nd, 1962 who he was married to before her passing in 2011. He is survived by his three children James, David, and Lisa who love him and miss him dearly. Also survived by four grandchildren Jory, Adam, Ashley and Kaela.

Robert had a love for hunting and fishing and above all sports. He played ice hockey in Minnesota for the Bemidji State Beavers in 1960. As a defenseman there he played one full season and then was offered, and took, a student teaching job which ended his hockey dreams. He chose a career over his love of hockey which paid off in the end. He started off in teaching and eventually became a Technical Consultant for Control Data in the early to mid 70’s. Later moving his family overseas to Tehran, Iran where he set up shop for a year and a half embracing the culture and the people.

Robert had an amazing sense of humor which was like a ray of sunshine beaming on all he would encounter. He liked to tease or in his words “harass” you, but always in good fun. He was so sunny that he moved to Hawaii in his fifties, with wife and daughter, to the island of Oahu. There he became a handyman with precise craftsmanship. He was a true perfectionist, and it was reflected in his work. Robert had a love for the islands, just like the rest of us, which lasted for over 2 decades. Hawaii was a big love of our lives, and we all have a lot of fond memories of the amazing people, places, and experiences.

Robert joins his father and mother as well as his brother and infant daughter where his ashes will be laid to rest at Maple Hill Cemetery in Hibbing, MN. Graveside service to be held on Friday, September 23rd, at 1:30. Rest In Peace Papa Bear.