Robert Laurence Wawak

Robert Wawak Obituary

Robert Laurence Wawak
'Bobby'
MIDLAND -- Mr. Wawak, 64, a retired NASCAR driver, of 4047 River Road, died Saturday, April 17, 2004 at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at Hartsell Funeral Home Chapel, Midland, Rev. Stan Johnson officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Born September 4, 1939 in Chicago, IL, he was a son of the late Hazel Zoe Forrest Wawak and Charles William Wawak. A member of Love's Grove United Methodist Church, he competed in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for 23 years and retired in 1988. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, grandfather, and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Survivors are his wife of 41 years, Stevi Wawak of the home; daughters, Jaclin Wawak of Midland, NC and Robin Wawak Pemberton of Mooresville, NC; brothers, Allen Wawak of Wayne, IL, and Richard Wawak of Villa Park, IL; sisters, Carole Tarvash of Albuquerque, NM, Joyce Annanie of Plainfield, IL and Marilyn Zmich of Conway, SC; and grandchildren, Lauri Trotter and River Pemberton.
Memorials may be directed to Amyloidosis Research Foundation, 4174 Myers Avenue, Waterford, MI 48329.
Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Wawak Family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Apr. 21, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Wawak

15 Entries

Bud Kane

September 20, 2024

Sevie
I just ran across Bob's obit and his racing history. I had many fond memories of being on Bob's pit crew and many late nights at the service station working on his car.Oh ya our nights street racing in his 1956 Oldsmobile, it was a 1/4 mile on rt. 83 from st. charles rd. to the first bridge and seeing you at the dog and suds stand. hope you are doing well. another memory I'm the guy that got so sick at your news year party and you make me stay at your house.

earl westbrook Piercetown, SC

June 28, 2023

I saw him race in many NASCAR races. May you all have peace and comfort in his memory.

Chuck Stark

May 24, 2004

Once during a rain out at Illiana Bobby and Vern came out to Sycamore Speedway and Charlie Parker let him take the seat in my 71 Torino, he lined up for the fast heat, made one lap and it poured down rain. Oh well, he drove my race car as well.

Bonnie Hane

April 29, 2004

Stevi - Learned of Bobby's passing while watching the race; brought back many fond memories of our early days back in Villa Park.

Ted and I extend our heartfelt condolences to you & your family.

Randy Bradshaw

April 27, 2004

Stevi,

The news of Bobby's passing saddened me deeply. I have many wonderful memories and will never forget him. My thoughts & prayers are with you and the kids.

Vince Drouillard

April 26, 2004

Stevi, I was deeply sadden to hear of Bobby's passing. I hope it will be a comfort to you to know that Bobby touched so many people in his life. Those friends at DuPont Canada like myself, who were lucky enough to met and work with him, ... will always remember his love of people and children as they climbed in and out of his show car he toured for us and the joy he took in making others happy.

I will remember him fondly, whether it be everytime I watch a race or see a child's smile. Yours, Vince

Ken Fleming

April 23, 2004

I am saddened to hear about the passing of Bobby. I was a crewman for Bobby for several races back in 1988. Will always remember Bobby as a real class guy. Best wishes to Stevi and his family.

Sue Rushing

April 23, 2004

Stevie, I am sorry I missed the services for Bobby, I will be back on the 5th and we can spend some time together. It was great seeing you and the girls again. I regret we didn't have more time with Bobby, but you know he is whole again and in his Father's loving hands.

Wayne Herndon

April 23, 2004

Stevi:

I was sadden to hear of Bobby's Death. We had many pleasant times together over the years. We had stopped by to see you some years ago but no one was home. Sorry I did not get back but that is life . He will be missed and remembered for all the great times. We wish you and the girls well.

Judy and Wayne Herndon

Randall Hartsell

April 22, 2004

Dear Stevi, Jaclin and Robin. I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know Bobby, but I know what a fine family he has. I wish you all the best, with peace.

Chris

April 21, 2004

Dear Stevi,

I pray that The Lord will comfort you and the family in your sorrow, Bobby was an insperation to all of us that made our living racing. He seemed to always be happy no matter the situation. I know Bobby has finally gotten the best trophy of his life.

Erika Andre

April 21, 2004

Mr. Wawak was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Nancy Rummage

April 21, 2004

I am so sorry, Stevi, to learn of Bob's death. He was a fine man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family.

Linda Ladendorf

April 21, 2004

I have memories of Bobby as our driver in the Ford car #74 (chief mechanic: Vern (aka: Wimpy)). We were Track champions at Illiana and won tons of other races in the Midwest circuit (I was young so it seemed like tons .. lol). It was so cool to go on the track for the victory picture or to ride in the car when he won or go into the pits after the races to show off your team colors. Savoda's was the prime place to eat after racing at Illiana & Rockford speedway was cool too. Other places I remember are camping outside the track at Pocono and cruising the infield on the back of my sister's minibike at Milwaukee. I loved Bobby's smile & laugh; his family was wonderful through the years. May God Bless Stevi and give her strength to carry on holding tight to all the memories. Remember Car #74: Illiana is Wawak Country & With God You're Always A Winner. Bobby was a winner in every aspect of life! Everyone he touched throughout his life will truly miss him!

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