Robert B. “Bob” Tabaka, 73, of Olney, formerly of Litchfield died Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2020, at his home.
A private funeral service was held Tuesday, Dec. 29, at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney. Interment followed in Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont.
Mr. Tabaka was born Sept. 9, 1947, in Litchfield, the son of Bernard and Mary Margaret (Howard) Tabaka. He met the love of his life, Ellen Randle, at Litchfield High School, they were married on Sept. 6, 1969, in Litchfield, and she survives.
In 1973, he and his wife relocated to Olney. He had a lifelong passion for weightlifting and powerlifting. He began lifting when he was 15, and that continued up until the day before his passing. He spent many of his days working out at his home gym and local gyms, socializing and spreading his wisdom to the younger generation.
One of his major achievements was an American record in the squat movement of 567.5 lbs. in 1998, a record which was held for a number of years. His mentors were Jon N. Racklin and Daryl Johnson.
He also attended Mt. Gilead Church. He was a faithful Christian and studied the Bible daily, which included a complete reading of the Bible for 21 consecutive years. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and daughters and their families. He especially enjoyed family activities that involved eating local pizza and birthday cake.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Anne (husband Kevin) Zuber of Olney and Nancy (husband Kyle) Kocher of St. Peters, MO; and grandchildren, Tyler, Blake and Trevor Zuber, and Holden, Haley and Hudson Kocher.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sons, Robert W. “Bobby” Tabaka and Steven R. Tabaka.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Gilead Church, 3598 County Rd. 1600 N, Olney, IL 62450.
Online condolences may be left at www.kistler-patterson.com.
