Robert "Bob" James Rajewski

Bob Rajewski age, 85 passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at his residence in Charlevoix Michigan. Bob was born in Bay City, MI, February 8^th 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 degree in Packaging Technology in June 1958. Upon graduation he was commissioned 2^nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and served until 1985, retired as a Lt. Colonel. During his service with the Air Force he was a radar navigator in a B-52 and well as an instructor and an evaluator. Bob amassed over 5,000 flying 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 1^st Combat Evaluation Group. After his retirement from the Air Force, Bob served as a Branch Manager for the Standard Federal Bank in Charlevoix as well as a Zoning Administrator for Charlevoix Township.

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

Bob took pleasure in serving others. He was a Scoutmaster in California, Drive Chairman for the United Way in Charlevoix MI. He was a Lay Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and a finance counselor for his church. He served on the Bishops Pastoral Council for Bishop Cooney, Gaylord Diocese, and Commander of the VFW Post in Charlevoix. He served as a member of the Charlevoix Kiwanis as Distinguished President, Lt Governor for two terms, and was a longtime secretary for the club. He was a member of the Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus. He was on the Charlevoix Hospital Finance Authority and served as 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 (Grand Rapids Dominicans), Elaine (Paul) Golsch, Rosemary (Ken) Ballow, and Linda (Larry) Castillo. Aside from his children, he leaves 12 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Church from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, February 11, 2022. A funeral service will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, February 12, 2022 at St. Mary’s Church. Burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery at 12:30 PM Monday, February 14, 2022. In lieu of flowers, you may make donations to St. Mary’s Catholic School, Kiwanis Youth Foundation, or a foundation of your choosing. 

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com