Robert (Bob) Piekarski floated away in calm water into the eternal lake of abundance on Sunday, August 7th. Bob entered the world, fishing rod in hand, on April 16th, 1940, where he would begin his lifelong journey of securing the title of “World’s Greatest Fisherman”, by certified unofficial ranking of family and friends. Bob was born to Tony and Tillie Piekarski (of Polish and Italian descent, respectively) in a quiet (to the outside) modest and loving home on 13th avenue in International Falls. The inside of Bob’s home growing up was nothing short of chaotic. A dad who owned Piekarski construction funded by the hard work of Bob, a mom who at 4’9” yielded a butcher’s knife to accurately emphasize the most important points in all conversation, and brothers and a sister who all shared handme downs and walked to school uphill in snowstorms both ways. Bob’s school years consisted of boot hockey, taunting the nuns and showing off the ruler scars on his knuckles as proof. Some of his fondest memories were of caretaking the 8th street rink and letting the boys lock up… “and don’t forget to turn off the lights”. He always felt pride in watching the local hockey develop on that rink and shared in all of the success. He never let us forget that he was a proud member of the PeeWee hockey team invited to Boston in 1952. His greatest love growing up was hunting and fishing. The stories of hunting and fishing trips with friends and family along with the trophies as proof will always be a testament to his talents for the generations to come.
Rainy Lake was Bob’s love. He always said “She’ll always be there and never talks back. I can tell her everything and she keeps my secrets. A bad day on Rainy is still better than the best day at work!” Bob had loyal followers but preferred to fish alone unless it was with his kids or grandkids. He knew all the great fishing holes, especially for crappies. Men would watch Bob head into Black Bay and think they were undetected. Oh nay nay said Bob…he was astute to anyone within 1000 feet of him. He would intentionally lead men to “dry” spots and pretend to haul in fish in front of them…right down to fake throwing them back. For those who remember his smile, you can imagine the smirk on his face and the joy he brought himself along the way. “He who follows Bob laughs not”. Bob was all about fishing for fun, and taught everyone “Don’t be a fish hog”. He was constantly being asked to guide for a career, but the pressure of people not catching fish was something he couldn’t bear. His loyalty and happiness came from fishing with his dearest friends and family and those were the times he treasured the most. The thrill on his face watching his grandkids reel in fish could light up a room. Treating the lake, the fish and respectfulness on the water were always a priority.
Many know Bob by the back-breaking cement work he did around the city and for the residents. Most of his cement work is lining our city streets with his “curb” appeal. He was the hardest working man we knew and with a dimpled smile he always said “the harder you work, the luckier you get”.
Bob’s truest love however was his wife of 39 years, Jaci. He always said “Second time’s the charm”, and for Bob it was his second chance at a new life of happiness. Bob and Jaci married on October 29, 1983, and from that day forward his vows of worshipping and cherishing were proven to her each day. He found his home with Jaci – even though it was back in the “home” that Bob spent his childhood! They did everything together; played, laughed, cried, loved, cooked, fished, and celebrated every moment together, both large and small. Bob was his happiest when surrounded by his family, especially when he could be at the fryer cooking up fish and French fries.
Bob wanted to make sure that his kids and grandkids knew how proud he was of all of them. They could do no wrong (even when they most certainly did), and quality time with his family was all he ever wanted. And a good steak.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents Tony and Tillie, Brothers Ron, John, Don and sister Diane, and numerous aunts and uncles that he hopes will pinch his cheeks when he sees them again. He is survived by his wife Jaci, children Michelle (Dale) and her children Hillary and Rachel; Melissa and her sons AJ & Brett; Mike and his children Libby, Jorie, and Madison, and Stephanie and her children Thomas, Timothy, Lucy and Charles; and multiple great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life and 1st Annual Bob Piekarski Fish Fry will be held at the Elks Club in International Falls on Monday, August 15th from 4-6:00 p.m. All are welcome to come and share their best Bob stories – except for that one guy that never paid him the 5 bucks you owed him…you know who you are. Memorials in lieu of flowers would be appreciated – an account has been set up in Bob’s honor at TruStar Credit Federal Credit Union, even though Kip Raboin stole Bob’s best fishing spots. Funds will be used to preserve the beauty of Rainy Lake by educating the youngest anglers to command respect for the best pastime on earth; fishing.
We have lost a good man, but will never lose the memories and the impact he had on the community.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen. com Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
