Born on 9/22/37 and passed away peacefully on 12/31/20. He is survived by brothers, Frank, Joe, Jim, and sister, Barbara, as well as Gloria Stefani; two sons, Robert Zywiec and grandchildren, Nicole and Bobby; William Zywiec, wife, Michele, grandchildren, William and (Samantha), and granddaughter, Sarah (Chris) and two great grandchildren Lola and Vinny. Preceded in death by brother, Dick. Bob is also survived by his companion, Judy Sandal and her children Laurie, Greg, Jay, Chris, and their children.
Bob was born in St Paul, MN and graduated from South St. Paul High School. It was in So. St. Paul where he chose to live and raise his sons. He was very involved in the SSP youth hockey program and enjoyed watching and coaching his sons. He frequented the Minnesota High School hockey tournament every year.
Bob started a family business venture, which took him back to his family roots in farming. He started Zywiec’s Garden Center in Cottage Grove, MN in 1982. This work allowed Bob to be creative, having customers frequently request that he, himself, build their planter of choice. Bob was a very quiet man with a work ethic like no other, which stayed with him until his final breath. Planting and gardening was his greatest passion, you could see his love for his craft in the countless number of planters and hanging baskets that he created, which spread joy and happiness to those who sought his work. When the business started doing a haunted experience, Bob let his creativity shine through in different ways, helping create sets and even participating as a haunter.
Even with Bob’s declining health, he still chose to show up at the Garden Center day after day. This was his happy place and his employees were his family. His brother Frank and son Bill were critical in his care over the last year. Their help and support will always be remembered and is very much appreciated.
A celebration of life will be held in Bob’s honor this spring at Zywiec’s Garden Center. God bless you Bob, we will miss you.