Robert G. Mrachek

1946 - 2026

Robert G. Mrachek
Born: January 13, 1946 in Winona, MN
Died: February 26, 2026 in McHenry, IL

It is with deep love and respect that we announce the passing of Robert G. Mrachek, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, funeral director and respected member of the community.
Bob was born on January 13, 1946, in Winona, Minnesota to George and Ruth Mrachek. When he was 3 years old his family moved to Illinois and settled in McHenry. Bob attended St. Patrick Catholic School where the values of faith, discipline, and community were instilled in him at a young age. During his school years, Bob proudly played bass drum for the McHenry Viscounts Drum and Bugle Corps, forming lifelong friendships and representing his community with pride.
A lifelong pillar of faith and service, Bob was a devoted member, usher and former Parish Council member at St. Mary Catholic Church for over 50 years. It was there that he married his beloved wife, Darlene Freund, on May 23, 1970, beginning a beautiful life together rooted in faith, love, and partnership.
Bob enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country as a medic stationed at an evacuation hospital in Vietnam during part of his tour of duty. His time in service reflected the compassion and courage that would define his life's work - caring for others in their most difficult moments. In 1970, he enrolled at Worsham College of Mortuary Science where he obtained his Funeral Director and Embalmer License. He served his internship in Rockford, IL where he was also a Winnebago County Deputy Coroner. He and his wife moved back to McHenry in 1976 when he went to work as a funeral director for Peter M. Justen & Son Funeral Home. Bob served families as a funeral director, a calling he approached with dignity, compassion, and professionalism for many decades. Alongside his devoted wife, Darlene, he proudly owned and operated Colonial Funeral Home, dedicating his life to guiding others through grief with care and respect.
Bob was deeply dedicated to his fellow veterans and his community. He was a proud member and past Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4600, as well as a member of American Legion Post 491. He was a past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council 1288, His leadership and commitment to service were evident in every role he held.
Bob was also a member of the McHenry County Funeral Directors Association, served on the Police Commission Board, Board of Directors for McHenry Chamber and was actively involved in numerous civic efforts that strengthened the community he loved.
Bob's love for McHenry was especially evident through his involvement in McHenry Fiesta Days. He served on the Fiesta Days Committee for many years and, along with his fellow board members, was elected to be a Parade Marshal in 2005. Following his participation in Fiesta Days, he became one of the founding members of the Committee At Large, also known as CAL, a group of friends who organized and held golf outings and an annual Halloween party to benefit and support local charitable organizations throughout the community.
Above all, Bob was a proud and loving grandfather to Dylan and Gavin, who brought immense joy to his life. He cherished time spent with family and had a lifelong love of trains and model railroads, a passion that never faded.
Bob will be remembered for his generous heart, and unwavering dedication to faith, family, veterans, and community. His legacy of service and compassion will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years: Darlene (Freund) Mrachek; his two sons: Jeff and Mike (Maggie) Mrachek; his grandsons: Dylan and Gavin Mrachek; brother-in-law: Bill Cunningham; sister-in-law: Linda Freund; nieces and nephews: Chad (Jamie), Tim (Salina) and Brian (Julie) Cunningham, Doug (Chris), Paul (Shirley), and Heidi Freund; great-nieces and nephews: Sierra, Savannah, Ryan, Kendra, Tyler, Jerad and Addison Cunningham, Ethan, Ava and Mason Freund, Amy and Madison Sarten as well as many cousins, friends and colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his parents: George and Ruth Mrachek; his sister: Mary Pat Cunningham, his in-laws: Irvin & Marie Freund and his brothers-in-law: Alan and Wayne Freund.
Bob's visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home, 591 Ridgeview Dr. McHenry, IL. on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 3pm to 7pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday, March 2, 2026 from 9am to 9:45 am. Family and friends will process to St. Mary Catholic Church in McHenry for a 10:00 am Funeral Mass. Bob will be laid to rest at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in McHenry following the Funeral Mass.
Memorial donations may be made in Bob's name to St. Mary Catholic Church for the Parking Lot Fund. 401 N Richmond Rd, McHenry, IL 60050.