Robert Kaldunski

Retired TSgt Robert P. Kaldunski, age 83, of Winona, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at St. Anne Extended Healthcare.

He was born on April 11, 1934, in Winona, to Roman and Mary (Kulas) Kaldunski.  Bob attended St. Casimir’s Grade School for Grades 1-8, Jefferson Jr. High School for Grade 9, and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1952.  Bob received First Communion and was confirmed at St. Casimir’s Catholic Church, where he was a member.

In 1954, Bob enlisted in the Army, and was stationed at Fort Ord in California, Fort Lewis in Washington, and also in Korea.  After he was honorably discharged from the Army, he reenlisted with the Air Force.  While stationed in Germany, Bob met his wife, Rita, and they were married on July 15, 1966.  Bob and Rita were stationed in Tucson, Arizona, until he received orders for Vietnam.  He was also stationed in Macon, Georgia; Italy; Madrid, Spain; Gulf, Arizona; New Mexico; Greenland; Iceland; and Syracuse, New York.  After 21 ½ years of service, Bob retired from the Air Force in 1976, and the family relocated and settled in Winona.

Bob was a life member of the American Legion, the VFW, the Catholic Order of Foresters, and was proud to drive for Winona County Veterans Services.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Christina Smith, and her children: Steven and Brandy, and great-granddaughter, Aliyah; daughter, Mollie Boggan, and her children: Kaitlyn, Kourtney, and Gage, and great-grandsons: Kaden and Cassius; grandson, Joseph (Martin’s son); daughter, Karen (T. J.) Salis, and her children: Imajen, Leif, Wyatt, Kristian, Kyailah, Aviana, and Issabella; a sister, Alice Kaldunski; as well as many cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Rita, in 2000; his father Roman in 1983; his mother, Mary in 2003; son, Norbert in 2005; and son, Martin in 2015.

Visitation will be held from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM on Saturday, December 23, 2017, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home.  Deacon Justin Green will officiate.  Following the service, the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of Winona will provide military honors at the funeral home.

Bob will be laid to rest in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

In lieu of flowers, it is respectfully suggested that memorials be directed to the family.

Bob’s family would like to thank all those who visited, called, sent cards, or remembered him in their thoughts and prayers while he was a resident at St. Anne’s; the staff of St. Anne’s for the excellent care that he received; and to Deborah Cummings with Lutheran Social Services.

Bob was a wonderful Opa and lived for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Bob’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.