(Picture) (Veterans Flag)

Robert Charles “Bob” Milek, 92, of Omaha, died Tuesday, March 18, 2014, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha. His family had gathered from around the country to be near him and to make certain he felt their love and support. In his final hours, he was able to spend time with each of his children and grandchildren.

A visitation will take place at Roeder Mortuary on 108th and Maple on Friday, March 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Following a graveside service for the family, a celebration of Bob Milek’s life will be hosted at the Milek residence, 15714 Patrick Avenue, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22. The family invites Bob’s friends to join in sharing their memories of this extraordinary man.

He had a long and courageous battle with cancer and numerous other health issues, but through all of his trials, he remained optimistic and he never gave up. He was truly an inspiration to all who knew and admired him.

Robert Charles Milek was born July 12, 1921, in Fremont, to Arthur and Hazel Milek.

He grew up in the Dundee area and graduated from Central High School in 1939. He attended Iowa State University before serving in the Philippines during World War II.

He married the love of his life, Blanche Cordes, in 1943. Last year, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. In 1957, Mr. Milek founded Concrete Equipment Company (Con-E-Co) in Blair. His patented inventions helped to revolutionize the concrete industry and many of those innovations are still in use in the products distributed worldwide by Con-E-Co today. He sold his business in 1990 due to health concerns, but remained interested and involved in Con-E-Co for the remainder of his life. His “boys from Blair” continue to reminisce about the good old days as they speak of his leadership and vision.

In 2000, Mrs. Milek was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease and Bob became her primary care giver. The couple continued to live in their own home with minimal assistance until recently. The devotion he has demonstrated during difficult times is an inspiration to the couple’s family and friends and the couple’s “love story” will live on in their hearts.

He is survived by a brother, David Milek of Denver, Colo.; his wife, Blanche Cordes Milek; son William Milek and daughter-in-law Mary Dowd Milek of Denver; daughters: Marilyn Milek Ehni and her husband Paul Ehni of Windsor, Colo., and Jane Milek Milnikel and her husband Bruce Milnikel of Omaha; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Jack and William Milek.

www.RoederMortuary.com

Published in Omaha World-Herald from Mar. 20 to Mar. 21, 2014

(picture) (Veterans flag)

Milek, Robert C.

Jul 12, 1921 - Mar 18, 2014

Robert Charles (Bob) Milek passed away at Lakeside Hospital on March 18, 2014. His family had gathered from around the country to be near him and to make certain he felt their love and support. In his final hours, he was able to spend time with each of his children and grandchildren.

Bob had a long and courageous battle with cancer and numerous other health issues, but through all of his trials, he remained optimistic and he never gave up. He was truly an inspiration to all who knew and admired him.

Robert Charles Milek was born in Fremont, Nebraska on July 12, 1921 to Arthur and Hazel Milek. He grew up in the Dundee area and graduated from Central High School in 1939. Bob attended Iowa State University before serving in the Philippines during World War II. He married the love of his life, Blanche Cordes in 1943 and last year, the two celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

In 1957, Bob founded Concrete Equipment Company (Con-E-Co) in Blair Nebraska. His patented inventions helped to revolutionize the concrete industry and many of those innovations are still in use in the products distributed world wide by Con-E-Co today. Bob sold his business in 1990 due to health concerns, but remained interested and involved in Con-E-Co for the remainder of his life. His "boys from Blair" continue to reminisce about the good old days as they speak of Bob’s leadership and vision.

In 2000, Blanche was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and Bob became her primary caregiver. The couple continued to live in their own home with minimal assistance until recently. The devotion which Bob has demonstrated during these difficult times is an inspiration to their family and friends and their "love story" will live on in our hearts.

Robert Charles Milek was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Jack and William Milek. He is survived by a brother, David Milek of Denver, Colorado; his wife, Blanche Cordes Milek; a son, William Milek and daughter-in-law, Mary Dowd Milek of Denver, Colorado; daughter Marilyn Milek Ehni and her husband Paul Ehni of Windsor, Colorado; daughter Jane Milek Milnikel and her husband Bruce Milnikel of Omaha; 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

A VISITATION will take place at Roeder Mortuary on 108th and Maple on Friday, March 21 from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Following a graveside service for the family, A CELEBRATION OF BOB MILEK'S LIFE will be hosted at the Milek residence, 15714 Patrick Avenue, at 2pm on Saturday, March 22nd. The family invites Bob's friends to join us to share their memories of this extraordinary man. ROEDER MORTUARY - 108th St. Chapel, 2727 North 108th St. 402-496-9000

www.RoederMortuary.com

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~