Robert H. Yanick

Robert H. Yanick, Jr., affectionately known as Bob or Pa Pa, passed away in his home, surrounded by the love and comfort of family on August 29, 2024, at the age of 70. Born in Hawaii on September 19, 1953, to Barbara and Robert Sr., Bob's early years were shaped by his father's naval service and other employment leading to a childhood with several moves.

Bob's journey soon brought him back to St. Louis where his father built a house for their family in Riverview Gardens. When he was 15 years old, he met and started hanging out with his neighbor, Debra Harr. Little did Debbie know, at age 14, that she was destined to be the love of his life. Bob and his family lived here until he graduated from Rosary High School in 1971. Soon after, his father’s job led them to Massachusetts for a 2 year stay before moving back to St. Louis in the same home across the street from his sweetheart. Bob and Debbie have been inseparable since. 

In 1976 he married his soul mate, embarking on a beautiful 48-year journey together during which time they were blessed with three adored children and eight treasured grandchildren. Starting off as a machinist, then becoming a tool and die maker, Bob dedicated 45 years to his craft, exemplifying a strong work ethic without ever letting his job overshadow his life’s pleasures. He approached his work with the precision and care of a perfectionist, yet always found time for what he loved most, his family.

Bob found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He was an avid car enthusiast, often found tinkering under the hood. His love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for hunting deer with his sons, Bobby and Scott, and tending to and admiring plants and flowers with his daughter, Nikki. There was rarely a weekend where you would not see Bob, doting on his bird feeder, working in his yard at White Water or riding his mower with a contented smile on his face. Bob was a loyal Cardinals baseball fan and he cherished any chance he had to play catch with Scott. He kept a close eye on the stock market with a dream to make it big as a day trader. His wife’s home cooking was always the best and he relished every meal she prepared for him, especially her delicious casseroles. More recently, he looked forward to exploring new restaurants and every genre of food with Nikki on their Wednesdays in the City. In his free time, he delighted in slapstick comedy and listening to 70’s rock music. He was particularly fond of outdoor Christmas decorations and enjoyed his newfound hobby of adding an item to his yard each year to celebrate the beauty of the season. He was a religious man and exemplified the golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Family was the cornerstone of Bob's life. Unfailingly, his generous and selfless character led him to put their needs above his own. After his father became paralyzed, he spent years of his life caring for him and later his mother in her old age. Nothing short of dependable, he always made time to lend a hand with all of his kids’ and parents’ home projects. He was an all around handy guy and passed this trait on to Bobby. He was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to attend their activities and sporting events or spend quality time with them. 

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Barbara Yanick, and his sister, Maria. He is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Yanick; his children: Nicole (Jason) Thomas, Bobby (Danielle) Yanick, and Scott (Anita) Yanick; and his eight grandchildren: Colton and Charlotte Thomas, Adelyn, Brinley, Cambree and Etta Jane Yanick, Makayla and Melanie Yanick; mother in-law, Florence Harr-Moore; sister in-law, Cindy Harr; niece, Alexis Blatz; nephew and niece, Cason and Skyley Blatz; and his cat, Garfield 

Bob Yanick will be remembered as a faithful, honest, and trustworthy man whose shy smile and generous spirit touched the lives of many. Beloved for his easy-going nature, goofy humor and quiet strength, Bob never had an unkind word to say. His legacy of love, hard work, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew him….WE LOVE YOU!

A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 4-8pm at Baue Funeral Home Cave Springs, 3950 W Clay St., St Charles, MO 63301.A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 12:00 pm, at Assumption Catholic Church, 403 N. Main Street, O’Fallon, MO 63366.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Bob’s honor to help find a cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) https://www.psp.org/ CurePSP 325 Hudson Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10013