Robert George Kobetsky

Robert George Kobetsky, 90, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 16, 2025, in Hudson, Wisconsin. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 31, 1934, son of the late George and Anna (Huber) Kobetsky. Robert (Bob) married Donna Stonesifer in 1956, who preceded him in death in 2021, and was a beloved husband for over 64 years. Shortly after getting married, Bob was drafted into the Army. He and Donna described these years as some of the most carefree and adventuresome years of their life as they lived the Army life traveling around the country meeting people who became lifelong friends. After his discharge from the military, they returned to Chicago. A few years later they were blessed with two children, son Don (Cheryl) and daughter Lisa (John Burban).

Bob and Donna spent 53 happy years in their home in Edgebrook, a neighborhood of Chicago, enjoying the company of neighbors old and new. When they moved in it was meant to be a starter home, however, there never was a reason to leave. Bob was a man of diverse interests, curiosity, and boundless energy, who lived life fully. He enjoyed photography and developed many images in the darkroom he created in the basement. He built and competitively flew control line model airplanes and frequently traveled with Donna to attend model airplane contests. He was a bike rider and often took Donna and the kids for long rides in Chicago or during family vacations. In fact, he was still riding bikes into his early 80’s! He was an avid offroad motorcycle enthusiast and rider, often attending and participating in races and events with his family and friends. Bob was inspired by the cooking shows on PBS and then enjoyed preparing and cooking meals for family and friends. He and Donna always loved beautiful automobiles – convertibles were their favorite. Bob enjoyed fast cars and loved his Eagle Talon and Corvettes.

Bob was a proud graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) with a degree in mechanical engineering and earned an MBA from the University of Chicago. He worked at Illinois Tool works (ITW) for over 45 years and was a member of the ITW Patent Society where he jointly or singly held over 40 patents. After he retired, Bob enjoyed the continued camaraderie of his colleagues at the ITW Tech Center, leading the group they aptly named The Second Half Retirement Group, where friendships flourished through shared experiences and insightful conversations. His heart was especially warm towards dogs, with a special place reserved for his beloved Doberman, DD.

He cherished the many memories of family summer trips to St. Germain, Wisconsin and the little cold-water cabin they rented on Big St. Germain Lake. As their children built independent lives, they always found time for family vacations, often in the St. Germain area. Bob and Donna’s 60th wedding anniversary was a lovely week at a cabin on Star Lake, WI spent celebrating with family and looking up old friends; a trip remembered many times since then.

Bob’s family would like to express their profound gratitude for the love and kindness shown by the dedicated staff at Christian Community Homes in Hudson and St. Croix Hospice.

In honor of Robert's remarkable life, a celebration of his journey will be held privately with family and friends. Interment and services will be held in the future at St. Boniface Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois where his beloved Donna rests in peace. Friends are welcome to remember Bob in memorials directed to PAWS (https://pawshs.org/) or the Anti-Cruelty Society (Anti-Cruelty | Home), two of his favorite causes.