Robert John Gacek Sr.

96.5 Years Young or as Bob Would Say 45x2+6

May 7, 1929 – November 16, 2025

Bob was born to John and Magdalene Gacek on May 7, 1929, the youngest of twelve children. He grew up in Northeast Minneapolis and attended Holy Cross grade school and graduated from DeLaSalle High School in 1947. He continued his education at Dunwoody Industrial Institute pursuing his creative energies through the art of printing.

He met his childhood sweetheart, Mary Louise Johnston, on a church hayride, and the two were married at St. Bridget’s Church on October 7, 1950. Together they raised eight children in Robbinsdale and Crystal and proudly supported thirty-five continuous years of education at Sacred Heart School.

Bob built a family printing business thriving for 56 years — first Elwood Printing and later changed in name to Diversified Graphics. Bob also served in the Naval Reserves for six years, was a lifetime Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and served as Scout Master for his many sons.

For 84 years Bob joyfully shared music with his accordion playing many venues throughout the Twin Cities including several at Sacred Heart where Bob was a devoted member for over 70 years. In the past two years Bob had the opportunity to preform weekly at Open Circle Day Center, at the US Air Force Base, at the IDS Crystal Court and played at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. And at 96, Bob had just finished recording his third CD ‘Bob’s Bash’ the week before his music ended.

Bob dedicated his life to serving his family and others. He had a special love for the poor and passion for helping those in need. He spent a lifetime of selfless service to multiple organizations including Brother DePaul’s House of Charity, Sharing and Caring Hands, Sister Jean’s Cookie Cart, St. Paul Priory, Little Sisters of the Poor, Franciscan Brothers, Sister Laurice’s Home for Unwed Mothers, Appalachian Christmas Drive and Healing Haiti.

Bob’s workshop was his happy place—it was there that he crafted the beautiful woodworking pieces he lovingly shared with family and friends.

Bob lived simply and gratefully, treasuring the little joys of life. He especially loved time spent with his precious Louise—weekend drives, garage sales, antiquing, thrift stores, and summer days at their cabin in Wisconsin with loved ones. They traveled on mission trips to Fatima, Medjugorje, Guadalupe and Haiti. For enjoyment, they ventured to Europe, Poland, Switzerland, and Hawaii with family and friends. They visited all fifty states, with one of their most memorable adventures being an Alaskan cruise with forty-five family members and close friends.

Family time meant everything to Bob. He was a remarkable husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and a true friend to everyone God placed in his path. He will be remembered for his steadfast love, deep faith, unforgettable music and his lifelong commitment to serving others.

God gave us a true miracle bringing comfort and peace in dad’s last moments when he opened his eyes and shared with us that his beautiful wife Louise was in the room. He told us that she was whispering to him “Come to Me”.

Although Bob’s earthly journey may be complete, the light he shared will continue to shine—guiding us, inspiring us, and reminding us that a beautiful life never truly ends.

Mass of Christian Burial Monday, November 24, 2025, 11 AM at The Church of the Sacred Heart, 4087 W. Broadway, Robbinsdale. Visitation Sunday 4-7 PM with 6 PM prayer service at Gearty-Delmore Robbinsdale Chapel, 3888 W. Broadway and Monday at Sacred Heart after 10 AM.

Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Church, Healing Haiti or Open Circle of Hopkins.