1941
Robert
2019
Robert Idank
December 10, 1941 — May 21, 2019
Robert "Bob" J. Idank, age 77, died Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at his home in Houston, Texas from complications related to COPD and heart disease. In hospice care for quite some time, Bob passed away peacefully with his wife Linda and future son-in-law Corky, by his side.
He was born on December 10, 1941 in Syracuse, New York to Anthony and Jane (Karamus) Idank (deceased). Bob was their middle child and he has an older brother Richard and a younger sister Toni.
After his education, Bob served his country in the United States Army for 10 years. In 1960, Bob was stationed in Ludenscheid, Germany where he met his first love, Renate M. Birk. They were happily married until her death on October 15, 2009. After leaving Ludenscheid, Germany, the Idank family returned to the States where they continued Army life in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; Sacramento, California; El Paso, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The family finally settled in Houston, Texas for over 50 years.
Bob was a computer engineer for Honeywell and IBM for many years. He loved cars and racing, participating in several Road Rally events and races. He drove his 2-seater sports car in the races while his wife Renee navigated. He and his family enjoyed weekends on Lake Conroe swimming, boating, fishing and relaxing. They also took many family vacations all over the United States.
Later in life, Bob found his passion for helping people and became a paramedic as well as Chief of both the Houston and CyFair Volunteer Fire Departments. He saved many lives, delivered several babies and taught EMT classes.
Bob and his second wife Linda enjoyed retired life together laughing, going on trips and cruises, plus sharing holidays with Linda's family and Bob's children and grandchildren. Linda was an integral part in caring for Bob after he got ill, and the love they had for each other was very evident. Corky Swindell and Waldo Williams served as loving caretakers of Bob alongside Linda, during the latter stages of his illness. Unwavering support by Linda's family members and Bob's daughter during this difficult time was invaluable as well.
He is survived by his loving wife Linda Slate Idank; son Tony Idank and wife Sonya; daughter Christine Pinell and fiancé Corky Swindell; granddaughter Alexandria Pinell and fiancé Shanda McKinney and grandsons Christopher, Michael and Anthony Idank. Bob is also survived by his brother Richard Idank, his sister Toni Stevens, his nieces Sharon Carroll and Melanie Deisz and his nephew David Idank. Bob was a loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend to all.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 13th at 11:00 AM at the Houston National Cemetery Chapel at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038
.
He was born on December 10, 1941 in Syracuse, New York to Anthony and Jane (Karamus) Idank (deceased). Bob was their middle child and he has an older brother Richard and a younger sister Toni.
After his education, Bob served his country in the United States Army for 10 years. In 1960, Bob was stationed in Ludenscheid, Germany where he met his first love, Renate M. Birk. They were happily married until her death on October 15, 2009. After leaving Ludenscheid, Germany, the Idank family returned to the States where they continued Army life in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey; Sacramento, California; El Paso, Texas; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The family finally settled in Houston, Texas for over 50 years.
Bob was a computer engineer for Honeywell and IBM for many years. He loved cars and racing, participating in several Road Rally events and races. He drove his 2-seater sports car in the races while his wife Renee navigated. He and his family enjoyed weekends on Lake Conroe swimming, boating, fishing and relaxing. They also took many family vacations all over the United States.
Later in life, Bob found his passion for helping people and became a paramedic as well as Chief of both the Houston and CyFair Volunteer Fire Departments. He saved many lives, delivered several babies and taught EMT classes.
Bob and his second wife Linda enjoyed retired life together laughing, going on trips and cruises, plus sharing holidays with Linda's family and Bob's children and grandchildren. Linda was an integral part in caring for Bob after he got ill, and the love they had for each other was very evident. Corky Swindell and Waldo Williams served as loving caretakers of Bob alongside Linda, during the latter stages of his illness. Unwavering support by Linda's family members and Bob's daughter during this difficult time was invaluable as well.
He is survived by his loving wife Linda Slate Idank; son Tony Idank and wife Sonya; daughter Christine Pinell and fiancé Corky Swindell; granddaughter Alexandria Pinell and fiancé Shanda McKinney and grandsons Christopher, Michael and Anthony Idank. Bob is also survived by his brother Richard Idank, his sister Toni Stevens, his nieces Sharon Carroll and Melanie Deisz and his nephew David Idank. Bob was a loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend to all.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 13th at 11:00 AM at the Houston National Cemetery Chapel at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038
.
Service Details.
MemorialService
June 13, 2019 | 11:00am VA Houston National Cemetery 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr. Houston, TX
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