Robert Andraschko

Robert “Bob” Andraschko, 92 of Winona, died Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Benedictine Living – St. Anne.

Bob was born November 12, 1931 at St. Michaels Hospital in Grand Forks, ND to Albert and Barbara (Ackerman) Andraschko.  He spent his first 3 years in Grand Forks with his parents, then they moved to Watertown, SD and he spent his next 40 years there.  He graduated from Watertown High School in 1949 and attended South Dakota State College for 2 years, getting his associates degree in printing.

On August 25, 1952, he was drafted into the Army, during the Korean War, and spent 2 years serving his country.  Bob took his basic training as an infantry Soldier at Camp Atterbury, Indiana with the 31^st Infantry Division (Double D’s) and then the last 10 months of his service in a Military Police unit at Camp Crowder, Missouri.

On October 20, 1953, he married the love of his life, Donna Mae Rindels.  Donna and Bob had 5 children: Steven (Pam), a retired Colonel from the Army, Linda (Bruce) Reed, Michael (Kim) who spent 6 years in the Air Force, Barbara (Jim) Jacques and Richard (Tracy) who spent 7 years in the Navy.

Bob was a daily newspaperman, following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps.  From the age of 14, until he and his family moved in 1974, he worked for the Watertown Public Opinion.  On November 4, 1974, they moved to Winona where he became the production manager for the Winona Daily News.  In August of 1983, he went to Western Wisconsin Technical College and became an instructor in the Graphics Department.

Through out his entire life, he volunteered for many groups and boards, which are too many to mention.  One of his favorite groups was the Lions and he became a District Governor for Lions in Southeastern Minnesota from 1998 to 1999.  His love for student success found him on the Foundation board and then the Alumni Association for Minnesota State College – Southeast Technical.

He was extremely active in his church, both in Watertown and Winona, serving in any capacity that they may have needed some help. Bob loved working with his wife, Donna, around their yard and garden.   They also enjoyed golfing together.   One of his greatest joys was his family.   

His five children and their spouses, twelve grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren survive him.  

He was greeted in Heaven by his beloved wife, Donna who died on March 9, 2023.

His final years were spent with his second love, racing pigeons, something he did in South Dakota and took up at 80 years of age in Winona.

Funeral Mass will be 12:30 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona.  Visitation will be 11:30 until the time of the Mass in the Church Commons.   Military Honors will be performed immediately following Mass.  Bob will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to his favorite charity, Minnesota State College – Southeast to be used for student scholarships.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center – Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements.  www.hofffuneral.com