Bob Rajewski, 85, died on Wednesday February 2, 2022 at his residence in Charlevoix Michigan. Bob was born in Bay City, MI on February 8, 1936 to Nicholas J and Wilma C (Mooren) Rajewski. Bob graduated from St. John High School in Essexville in 1954 (Salutatorian). He attended Michigan State University and graduated with a BS in packaging technology in June 1958. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and served until 1985, retired as a lieutenant colonel. During his Air Force service, he served as a radar navigator in a B-52, as well as an instructor and evaluator. Bob has accumulated over 5,000 flight hours in the B-52 and over 500 hours of combat time in Vietnam. He was heavily involved in training as Chief of the Operations Division and Commander of Detachment 6 of the 1st Combat Evaluation Group. After retiring from the Air Force, Bob served as a branch manager for the Standard Federal Bank in Charlevoix as well as a zoning administrator for the Township of Charlevoix.

On April 12, 1958, Bob married Nancy Ellen Hugan. They had 5 sons, Robert II, John, Paul, Richard and Patrick, as well as a daughter Annette, who died at birth.

Bob enjoyed serving others. He was Scoutmaster in California, Drive Chairman for United Way in Charlevoix MI. He was a lay minister of the Eucharist, reader and financial adviser for his church. He served on the Pastoral Council of Bishops for Bishop Cooney, Diocese of Gaylord and Commander of the VFW post in Charlevoix. He was a member of Kiwanis de Charlevoix as distinguished president, two-term lieutenant governor and long-time club secretary. He was a member of the Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus. He sat on the financial administration of the Charlevoix Hospital and was a zoning administrator for thirty years.

Robert is survived by his wife Nancy, his sons, Robert II (Stacey), John (Linda), Paul (Sharon), Richard (Cheryl) and Patrick (Kathy), his brother Thomas, four sisters, Sister Lorraine OP (Dominicans of Grand Rapids), Elaine (Paul) Golsch, Rosemary (Ken) Ballow and Linda (Larry) Castillo. Besides his children, he leaves 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Church from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at St. Mary’s Church. Interment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, February 14, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School, the Kiwanis Youth Foundation or a foundation of your choice.

The arrangements are entrusted to the Chapelle Charlevoix des Salons Funéraires Mortensen. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com