Robert C. Woika

WOIKA, ROBERT Robert C. Woika, age 72, of Waco departed this world on Thursday, July 25, 2002 to be reunited with his beloved wife in the eternal embrace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00AM Monday, July 29 at St. Louis Catholic Church with Rev. Melvin Dornak officiating. Burial will follow at Waco Memorial Park. Rosary will be recited at 7:00PM Sunday, July 28 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Bob, as he was known to his friends, was born on July 20, 1930 in Du Bois, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Penn State University in 1953, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. While stationed at Connally Air Force Base in Waco, Texas in 1954 he met Mary Dolores “Dee” Fabbre, who became Mrs. Robert Woika on April 14, 1956. Bob and Dee spent the next twenty years stationed around the world. When he retired from the Air Force in 1973, they settled back in Waco, where Bob went into the jewelry business with his father-in-law, Joe Fabbre. After Dee passed away in 1981, Bob spent the rest of his life devoted to their four children: Catherine Reeves of Waco, Texas; Steven Woika of Fort Worth, Texas; Brian Woika of Montgomery, Alabama; and Rodger Woika of Panama City, Florida. He was affectionately known as “One-Pa” to his nine grandchildren: Samantha, Alex, Joshua, Erin, Travis, Audrey, Jordan, DeeAnn and Grant. Survivors also include five brothers and sisters: Joanne Deardorff of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Jack Woika of State College, Pennsylvania; Kay Weagraff of Saegertown, Pennsylvania; Patty Butler of Rockton, Pennsylvania; and Tom Woika of Du Bois, Pennsylvania, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A true gentleman and a quiet leader who never met anyone who didn’t like him, he leaves a legacy of faith, hope and love. The family has designated the International Waldenstroms Macroglobulinemia Foundation IWMF for memorials. Memorial guestbook at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY