Robert Ovnicek, 75

Robert Martin Ovnicek, 75, passed away Dec. 22, 2022.

He was born Aug. 26, 1947, in Spokane, Wash., to John and Helen Ovnicek, joining his siblings Daisy and Betty. Robert (Bob) grew up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He attended Winton Elementary and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1965. He went on to attend and graduate from North Idaho Junior College and University of Idaho.

With a work ethic that began in childhood, he delivered newspapers for the Coeur d’Alene Press earning outstanding achievement which won him a trip to Disneyland. He also spent his youth working on his grandparent’s ranch in Heron, Mont., where fun times, life lessons and some of the best memories occurred. He worked as a teen at Paul Bunyan Restaurant in Coeur d’Alene, where as a child he would ride his bicycle down on his own, buy a hamburger and milkshake and visit with his future boss. Little did he know then, this job would turn into a future legacy of his own, purchasing Paul Bunyan in 1981. This in turn impacted generations to come, spending time with family and meeting new family along the way. Of a most special note, their manager Carla Harris whom they hired in 1983, will celebrate her 40th anniversary this April.

In college, Bob worked at Albertsons where he met the love of his life Sharon Selden. They married Jan. 10, 1970. At that point he had taken a job with Coca Cola and was continuing his education. On Dec. 24, 1970, they welcomed their first child, Scott Ovnicek. After completing his student teaching and graduating from U of I, he chose to continue working for Coca-Cola. On Feb. 2, 1975, their second child, Cari, was born. Robert and Sharon raised their family in their Post Falls home, where Bob and Sharon continued to reside for over 50 years.

Bob had a passion for the outdoors, hunting, travel adventures with the greatest friends, storytelling, classic cars and a little luck and fun at a casino here and there. His biggest passion by far was spending time with family and friends and made enjoying life a priority.

Robert is survived by his loving wife Sharon of over 50 years; their son, Scott, and his wife, Tara, of Post Falls; their daughter, Cari Ovnicek-Poulsen, and her husband, Chris, of Emida, Idaho; grandson John Ovnicek and his girlfriend, Kari Prockish, of Rathdrum; grandson Carter Ovnicek and his wife, Savannah, of Post Falls; great-granddaughter Haidyn Ovnicek (daughter of John Ovnicek), who Robert adored and called “pretty blue eyes." Robert is also survived by his sister Daisy Davenport of Juneau, Alaska and sister Betty Michelsen of Post Falls, several nieces, nephews and many good friends.

Celebration of life is planned for Friday, Jan. 6, at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church 8134 N. Meyer Road, Post Falls, Idaho.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Schneidmiller House-Hospice of North Idaho to help continue a legacy of helping others. Please visit Robert’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.

One final note, “GO ZAGS!" Many games were enjoyed together and will always be special!