Tuesday, March 3, 2020 ~ 10:00 a.m.
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Interment at St. Francis Cemetery ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Monday, March 2, 2020
Visitation ~ 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Knights of Columbus Rosary ~ 7:00 p.m.
St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church ~ Wahoo, Nebraska
Wahoo Fire Department or In Care of the Family for Future Designation
Robert “Bob” L. Chvatal lost his earthly fight against cancer on February 27, 2020, surrounded by his wife, children, mother, and extended family. He fought the battle with much strength, faith, and a strong desire to protect those he loved from the cruelty of this disease. His loved ones will feel the depth of his loss eternally.
Bob was born in Wahoo, Nebraska to Donald and Norma (Benal) Chvatal on March 24, 1960. It was an eventful birth, as a blizzard forced Don and Norma to seek help from a maintainer to bust through drifts on their farm near Malmo. They made it safely to Wahoo where Bob was born, returning several days later to flooding roads from all the melting snow! Bob joined a sister, Laurie and brothers, Jim, Kenny, and Mike. A younger brother Dave followed several years later. No Chvatal family gathering was complete until numerous tales of the shenanigans the boys raised, were told!
Bob attended the local rural school, District 75 through 8th grade. He was a graduate of Bishop Neumann High School. He often shared his pride in being a member of the first State Champion football team and may have bragged he was the only state champion in the family, until Hadley brought home one in softball! He graduated from SCC in Milford with a degree in Plumbing. He worked for Green’s Plumbing in Lincoln and Pearson & Larson in Wahoo. Bob became the Facilities Manager for Wahoo Public Schools, where he would have celebrated his 25th year in April. If you knew Bob, you knew he was a person who could fix anything and everything. He carried a “tool box” in his pockets and a heart of service for others. He helped whoever needed it, whenever he could, and always with a promise to do more if needed.
Bob met his future wife, Missy when her sister married his first cousin. A summer romance blossomed a few years later through long, sweet talks on a front porch in Malmo. As Chicago sang in 1985, their love was a “Hard Habit to Break.” They were married on April 16, 1988 at St. Joseph’s in Colon, NE. Their marriage was blessed with five great kids on earth and three in heaven. Keith, Grace, Becca, Hadley, and Mary were his world! Bob loved everything his kids did, except maybe wrecking cars and bringing home stray cats. He was in the stands rooting for them always, challenging them to be better human beings, and trying to love them better each day. We are positive that love will continue to shower down from heaven.
Bob showed his children what it meant to serve and care for others. He joined the Wahoo Volunteer Fire Department in 1988, serving as President. Difficult calls were made easier by the men and women he served with over the years. Bob was a member of St. Wenceslaus Parish where he served on the Parish Council, as an acolyte and an usher. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus as well. It seemed that he knew everyone and everyone knew him. When diagnosed with lung cancer in July, Bob knew he would need the support of all he called family and friend…and he received it ten-fold. He often was overwhelmed with gratitude for all that prayed for his healing and those that reached out in support. He began his journey with the Lord and he finished with the Lord… “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deut. 31:6
Bob is survived by his wife, Missy Chvatal; children, Keith (Jacy) Chvatal, Grace (Kenneth) Morrison, Becca (fiancé, Dylan Hellbusch) Chvatal, Hadley Chvatal, and Mary Chvatal; mother, Norma Chvatal; siblings, Laurie Bier, Jim (Diann) Chvatal, Kenny (Denise) Chvatal, Mike (Mariechen) Chvatal and Dave (Colleen) Chvatal; many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by daughter, Kate Elizabeth Chvatal, two stillborn children; father, Donald Chvatal.
Kenny and Denise i am so sorry for your loss may he rest in peace.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Bob. I am so very sorry for your loss. I worked with Bob during my time at Wahoo Elementary. He always had a smile on his face and was willing to help out however needed. He will be missed.
Missy,
So sorry to hear this. May our Loving God wrap
His arms around all of you and hold you tight! Prayers to all!
David and Shari Nygren
Missy and the entire Chvatal Family, Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all of you. Bob will be missed by so many. Praying for all of you at this most difficult time.
Missy and family, Our deepest sympathy to you all. Keep your eyes on Jesus and as you go through this trial He will keep you close.
Psalm 34:18. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
My deepest sympathy to Missy and Bob’s Family. May Bob rest in peace and look over all of you.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 King James Version (KJV)
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
We are so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. We enjoyed knowing Bob and his Neumann family where he worked and played hard. My dad was Bob’s football coach. He loved having Bob around. We are so sorry for your loss.
Our condolences to the Chvatal family as you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
My heart aches for your loss. You have my prayers and sympathy to help you through this very difficult time.
Missy, family,
What a beautiful tribute! Today was a blessed paving of his journey to heaven, where he will indeed continue to care for his family, friends, co-workers, peers. Be at peace knowing you’ve given him great, and much-deserved honor. Watch for the signs! They will come!
Missy,I knew Bob from School.He put me to work
as Janitor. I never knew Bob was sick.
I work nights at the Wahoo Civic Center and I
stumbled upon a program, that had his name on it. Missy, I am so sorry to hear about Bob.
My condolences go out to you and your family.
Shaun Kiihne