Robert "Big Bob" Kolojay

Robert A. “Big Bob” Kolojay, 76, of Streator passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at OSF Center for Health Streator.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home with Pastor Paul Arnold of First United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery with Military rites performed by the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492.   

Visitation will take place at Hagi & Schultz Funeral Home on Monday, November 27, 2023 from 5-7 PM.   

Bob is survived by his wife Marsha; three daughters, Tammy Anderson (Rodney), Kim Hinshaw (Jeff), and Krystal Kolojay Orenic; granddaughters, Samantha “Sammy” Ochoa, and Chelsey Hinshaw; great grandchildren, Mack, Zach, and Zayleigh; and a special niece, Ashley Houch.  Bob is survived by siblings, Donald (Patty) Kolojay, John “Pinkie” (Donna) Kolojay, Gail Persong-Darrigan, Kelly Persong and Vicki Persong. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends, whom he loved dearly.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew Kolojay and Jean Persong; his step-father, Bill Persong; mother in-law, Marge Houch; brother, Tom Kolojay; and sisters, Dorothy Duvall and Suzanne “Kush” Rowe.

Robert A. Kolojay was born on April 26, 1947 in Streator, Il, to Andrew and Jean (Gochanour) Kolojay.  He married Marsha Houch on November 5, 1976 and together they recently celebrated their 47th Anniversary.

Bob, known to many as “Big Bob” for his enormous, outgoing and most times outspoken personality, was truly a friend to so many.  The loss suffered at this time leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him.  There will never be another “Big Bob” like the one we all shared.

Bob shared a love for his family like no other.  At times he would show a gruff exterior, but we all knew that on the inside he was a big softie. 

Big Bob shared so many joys in life with those he loved, from his trips to Colorado hunting moose and elk, to precious time he spent at his place on the mighty Vermilion.  Bob and Marsha hosted annual events at his home away from home on the river raising numerous dollars that were donated to specific charities they held dear. 

Bob left high school to join the Army at a young age.  There were never many stories told about his service itself, but he would often speak of the children he met during the time of Vietnam.

After leaving the service Bob worked at Thatcher’s, U.S. Food Service and Crop Production, making many friends along the way.  He was a member of the Vermilion River Boat Club and the First United Methodist Church.

So many friends and loved ones have stories to share of Big Bob and the majority end in laughter.  Bob left this world still believing that he was One of the Three Amigos….. The true three amigos were Ernie Maubach, Larry Clift and Bob Gotch, but Big Bob still claimed he was one of the three. 

Our kind, caring, boisterous, loving “Big Bob” may have left us behind, but there is no doubt that the memories and stories about this man will be shared for many years to come and he will most definitely always be with us.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Jerry & Joey Kolojay, Matt Heinbaugh, Dave McMeen, Carl Seroka and Bob Wilson.  

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Streator.