Robert Spatenka, 98, Owatonna
Robert “Bob” Spatenka, lifelong resident of Owatonna, died peacefully, surrounded by family on July 9, 2026, at the VA Medical Hospital in Minneapolis.
A funeral service is set for Monday, July 20, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Brick–Meger Funeral Home, Owatonna. A reception will follow for family and friends at the VFW in Owatonna for lunch and sharing of memories. Burial with full Military Honors will take place at Bohemian National Cemetery, alongside his wife Lois. Friends may greet the family Monday, July 20, 2026, starting at 10 a.m. until the time of service at Brick – Meger Funeral Home.
Robert Vernon Spatenka was born Aug. 3, 1927, on a farm in Owatonna Township, the son of George and Vlasta (Kubat) Spatenka. He attended country school in Owatonna Township. He left high school to help his father on the family farm. Bob was drafted into the Army in 1950 during the Korean War and was trained as a demolition expert. He continued to serve until his honorable discharge in 1952. After returning home from the service, he was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 3723. He spent a lot of time in his early years volunteering at the Owatonna Eagles and the Owatonna American Legion.
Bob was united in marriage to Lois Broady on Sept. 27, 1952, at Associated Church in Owatonna. This union brought eight children. Bob worked for a short time at the meat packing plant in Albert Lea. He joined the Local 49er’s union as a heavy equipment operator and continued to work construction for the next 33 years, retiring in 1985. Bob was an active member of the Local 49er’s for 73 years.
In retirement, Bob and his wife ran a catering business out of their home. Bob was known for his cooked meats made in his home-made smoker. Bob was a dedicated member of the Steele County Funeral Unit providing military honors to deceased veterans of Steele County.
His hobbies included fishing, trap shooting, hunting and cooking. Bob played in several Old Time Bands in his younger years. Bob was known to be a humble man by family and friends.
Bob is survived by his eight children: Duane “Joe” (Jane) Spatenka of Owatonna, Al (Shelly) Spatenka of Cumberland, Wis., Brian (Cheryl) Spatenka of Lake Havasu, Ariz., Curtis Spatenka of Owatonna, Bobann (Joe) Jeno of Owatonna, David (Annette) Spatenka, of Owatonna, Betty (Scott) Bjorge, Brandon, S.D., Barbara Jindra of Owatonna, 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson; and two sisters, Donna Wobschall and Katherine Kyllo.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Vlasta, his wife, Lois, great-grandson, Jaydon; and 11 siblings.
For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.