Robert G. “Bob” Shonka

Robert G. “Bob” Shonka

Independence

Robert G. “Bob” Shonka, 94, of Independence, IA died on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Prairie Hills Assisted Living Center in Independence, IA.

Bob was born on December 30, 1929, in Independence, IA, the son of Albert H. and Pauline C. (Anderson) Shonka. He attended St. John’s Catholic School and worked for the Carl Nichols Chrysler Dealership in Independence while in high school. Bob left school early to join the United States Army. Bob served during the occupation of Japan after WWII and learned everything about truck driving there. He returned to Independence after his time in the service and started working as a mechanic at Burkhart Ford in Independence and drove a truck for Warren Collins, Western Transport, and later in life Merchant Freight.

On July 8, 1951, Bob married Marlyn E. Bradley at the Fairbank United Methodist Church. They made their home in Independence, IA, where they raised their four children. They had many adventures throughout their seventy years of marriage. They took many trips together throughout the United States and Canada.

Bob retired from working as a mechanic, and in 1983 went to work as a Custodian and Electrician at the Independence Community Schools. He took pride in the work of making the buildings nice for the students.

He is survived by his children, Sherry (Arlen) Eberhardt, Casa Grande, AZ, Steve (Kris) Shonka, Rowley, IA, Mike (Kim) Shonka, Independence, IA, and Kristin Lynch, Independence, IA, his grandchildren, Andrew (Shristi) Shonka, Sally (Rob) Brown, Jennifer (Shane) Krieger, April (Joe) Dorman, his great-grandchildren Zaladet, Tevlen, Voeden, Liercen, Aeresen, and Villiet Shonka, Mace, and Remy Brown, Austin and Chance Rommann, Ella, Peyton, and Tayden Dorman, his great-great-grandchildren Ary and Issac, a brother, James (Mary Lou) Shonka, Independence, IA, a sister, Nancy Crawford, Bettendorf, IA.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Pauline Shonka, his wife, Marlyn Shonka, and a grandson, Nicholas Micheal Shonka.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory in Independence, IA. Visitation will be held for two hours prior to the service on Saturday.

To leave an online condolence please go to www.reifffamilycenter.com under obituaries.