Robert "Bob" Bernica

Robert J. Bernica passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 22, 2007. Bob was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 12, 1931 to John E. Bernica and Anne Galas Bernica. He graduated from Hayden High School in 1949 and Washburn University in 1954. Bob married Evelyn L. Schneider on August 21, 1954. He was a pilot in the United States Air Force and then a Real Estate Broker for more than 50 years. Bob worked for Famous Brands Distributors for many years and most recently was a Vice-President and Director of Kaw Valley Bank. Over the years Bob served on the Board of the American Cancer Society, Cornerstone of Topeka, Cosmopolitan International, Topeka 20-30 Club, Commercial Investment Division of the Board of Realtors, St. Francis Hospital Foundation, Hayden High School Foundation, Letâ€™s Help, Topeka Disaster Relief Association and Citizens for Affordable Housing. Bob served on the State Building Advisory Commission from 1992 to 2006. Bob had been a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Topeka Board of Realtors, Topeka Shawnee County Planning Commission, Topeka Home Builders Association, Topeka Cosmopolitan Club and the United Way budget committee. He was an IRS volunteer preparing tax returns for the disadvantaged. In his personal time Bob enjoyed spending time at family gatherings and at the family farm. Bob was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather and extended his kindness, hospitality and generosity to all he met. Bob is survived by his wife, Evelyn, his 5 children, Vicki Fulmer and husband, Ed , Topeka; Greg Bernica and wife, Liz, Houston; Cynthia Sabatini and husband, Mike, Leawood; Susan Bernica, Overland Park; and Mary Jones and husband, Matt, Dallas; 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings Rita Higgins, Irene Weishar, RoseMary Stiltner, Helen Sullivan, Paul Bernica, Ed Bernica, Jim Bernica and Ken Bernica. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Jane Mullaney and brother, John Bernica. There will be visitation at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka KS 66614, from 2-7 on Monday with a prayer service at 5 p.m. and a Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Tuesday, with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to the funeral home for the benefit of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Hayden High School, Catholic Community Hospice of Topeka or American Cancer Society.

Robert "Bob" Bernica

November 12, 1931 - February 22, 2007