Dr. Robert R. "Bob" Gurchiek

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dr. Robert Raymond Gurchiek, a beloved member of our community, who departed this life at the age of 86 on Friday, July 18th, 2025, at the Franciscan Hospice House surrounded by loved ones. Bob, as many knew him, was born in Farmersburg, Indiana, on Saturday, March 25th, 1939, to the late Bartholomew Joseph "Bert" and Sarah Mildred (Knight) Gurchiek. Bob graduated from Farmersburg High School with the class of 1957. Following high school graduation, he attended Indiana State University, earning a bachelor's degree in biology and education in 1961 and a master's degree in biology from the University of Oklahoma in 1964. He was a biology teacher for eleven years; two years at Martinsville High School and nine years at Washington High School in Indianapolis. On September 7th, 1958, he married Carol Sue (Zirkle) Gurchiek. The two shared nearly twenty-five years of marriage and were blessed with two children prior to Carol's passing on February 13th, 1983. Seventeen years later, Bob was blessed with finding his second love, Carol Ann (Pittman) Foxworthy and the two were united in marriage on November 11th, 2000. Bob was a man known for his strong will and unwavering determination, which led him to pursue his dream of becoming a dentist. He returned to school while teaching and raising a family and graduated from the Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1976. He dedicated over twenty-eight years to dentistry, a profession he not only excelled in but truly cherished. For Bob, dentistry was never just a job - it was a calling. His patients were not just people who came to see him for care; over the years, they became like family. His gentle touch, easy smile, and genuine concern for others made his practice a place of comfort and trust. Outside of the office, Bob found great joy in the outdoors. He was an avid and competitive golfer, an enthusiastic fisherman and hunter, and always up for a game of Rummy. Whether casting a line or teeing off with friends on a sunny afternoon, Bob lived life with purpose and joy. He was also a member of the 1st Methodist Church in Martinsville. After retirement, he enjoyed wintering in Florida, where he continued to do many of the things he loved: playing golf, fishing, making new friends, and staying active in every way he could. Bob leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and exceptional work ethic. He will be deeply missed by his loving family, many friends, former patients, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Survivors include his wife of nearly twenty-five years, Carol Ann Gurchiek of Bargersville, IN; daughter, Lisa (husband, Terry) Stepanski of Iowa; stepson, Jerry (wife, Sharon) Foxworthy of Martinsville, IN; stepdaughter, Patti (husband, Trent) Summers of Greenwood, IN; sister, Nancy Sue Gurchiek of Hymera, IN; eight grandchildren, Robert (wife, Taylor) and William Stepanski, Mark Riley, Rechelle (husband, Marvin) Scrogham, Nicole (husband, Lamson) Nguyen, Lynlee (husband, John) Lafary, Hannah (husband, Jarrett) Johnson and Cody (wife, Hannah) Campbell; nine great grandchildren, Nolan and Tanner Stepanski, Daphaine Scrogham, Zander, Zoey, and Zena Lafary, Trenton, Levi, and Micah Nguyen. Along with his parents and first wife, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Brian Robert Gurchiek; brother, Donald Joseph Gurchiek; and two sisters, Linda Darlene Gurchiek and Patricia Lee Snow. Family and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at Neal & Summers Funeral Home in Martinsville and one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday. A funeral service celebrating Bob's life and legacy will be held on Thursday, July 24th, 2025, beginning at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to either the American Heart Association or the National Kidney Foundation. Fond memories and condolences are encouraged to be shared with the family online at www.nealandsummers.com