Robert "Bob" Sawinski

Robert "Bob" W. Sawinski, age 99, of Rochester, passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, surrounded by his family at the Homestead in Rochester.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes with a visitation one hour prior to the service. The burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens. Memorials are preferred to Heartland Hospice or Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester.

Robert William Sawinski was born on April 6, 1918, to August and Eva (Jaseph) Sawinski. Bob was raised on a dairy farm in northwest Rochester. He graduated from Rochester Central High School and attended refrigeration training in Chicago. Bob worked in refrigeration for several years before meeting and marrying June Potvin in June 1940.

During WWII, Bob worked as an electrician in the U.S. Navy shipyards in San Francisco, repairing battleships. He later returned to his home in Rochester. Bob was a 65-year member of the International Electrical Union and worked many years for Foster Electric. He retired from IBM after 25 years.

Bob enjoyed his hobbies, including hunting and fishing. During his 35 years of retirement, he devoted his time to his tree farm and he especially loved spending time with his family.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Sandra (Ralph) Halvorson of Burnsville and Michele (Michael) Keller of Urbandale, Iowa; son, Robert (Ava) Sawinski of Zumbro Falls; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, June; brother, Jay Sawinski; and sister, Alyse Williams.

Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.