Robert "Bob" Bejna

Robert (Bob) Bejna passed peacefully at home on December 20, 2025, at the age of 87.

Bob was born December 26, 1937, at Loretto Hospital to Laddie and Elsie (nee Sima) Bejna. Bob grew up in Berwyn with his brother. Bob built his first plane, an Aeronca, in the alley.

Bob worked at several airports, had his first flight in 1956 and earned his pilot’s license in 1960. He added additional ratings of Rotorcraft – Helicopter, Commercial Pilot, Multiengine Land and Airline Transport Pilot. A member of the Air National Guard, he loved flying and working on planes. His love of aviation led him to be a corporate pilot for Power Nail Company, as well as being the pilot for numerous Illinois politicians. He received The Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in 2005.

An Addison resident for 58 years, that is where he owned and operated RLB Accessory Service.

Bob had many interests, including EAA Fly-ins in Rockford and Oshkosh, amateur radio and “hamfests”, attending baseball and soccer games, traveling around the U. S., particularly Alaska, and going to food festivals.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marianne, sons Robert (Butch) and Charles (Charley) and his brother, James.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Salerno’s Rosedale Chapel, 450 S. Lake Street, Roselle, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts to EAA to purchase a brick for the Brown Arch area and/or a plaque on the EAA Memorial Wall are appreciated.