Robert "Bob" Semonisck Jr.

1934 - 2025

Robert "Bob" Semonisck, Jr., formerly of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 90. He was born on December 17, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Robert Semonisck and Antonia Prenk Semonisck. His family later settled in Cherokee, Kansas, a place Bob always considered home.
In 1957, Bob married Martha Ann Fitzmorris in her hometown of Fredonia, Kansas. Together they raised four children and shared fifty years of marriage before Ann's passing in 2007.
Bob began his distinguished career in education and safety in 1960, teaching driver and safety education courses in Haysville, Kansas. In 1967, he joined the National Commission of Safety Education in Washington, DC, and, in 1969, transitioned to academic instruction at Central Missouri State University. He eventually led the Department of Industrial Safety and Hygiene until 1986. After a brief period in the private sector, Bob retired in 2001 as chair of the Technology and Safety departments at Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
Throughout his academic journey, Bob earned multiple degrees, including a Doctorate in Education from the University of Illinois at Carbondale. He was widely respected as a Fellow of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and is recognized as a foundational contributor to the national occupational safety and health (OSH) profession.
Bob was also a proud Army veteran. His military service began in 1957 as a ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. Over the next 24 years, he served as an Army officer and aviator with the 101st Airborne Division (3 years), two Reserve units (8 years), and the Missouri National Guard (13 years). He earned both Senior and Master Army Aviator wings.
In his personal life, Bob found joy in music, singing in church and community choirs, and was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith. He also loved watching and talking about the weather, keeping track of storms and changes in the seasons. Bob will be remembered for his legacy of mentoring students, as well as other professionals, and his unwavering devotion to his family.
He is survived by his children: Mike Semonisck, Mark Semonisck, Susi (Greg) Goodman, and Sara (Scott) Baker. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Dane Goodman, Kate (Nick) Bracciano, Joe Branstetter, and Bailey (Brian) Haase, as well as four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His siblings, Jane Sexton and Gary (Barbara) Semonisck, also survive him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warrensburg, MO, on December 19, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of your choice in Bob's memory. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.