Robert F. Bastyr, 78

Robert F. Bastyr, age 78, of Jordan, died Sunday, November 29, 2020 due to complications of Covid 19 at VA Hospital in Minneapolis.  Robert was born on September 7, 1942 in New Prague to Robert R. and Estellene M. (Rutt) Bastyr.  He attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School, graduated from New Prague High School, and attended Mankato Vocational School in mechanics.  Always proud of his military service, Robert served in the US Army in Vietnam with the 1^st Battalion, 5^th Infantry Regiment, known as the Bobcats.  He married Margaret A. “Margie” Bastyr on August 5, 1989 at St. Wenceslaus Church.  He worked at Continental Machines in Savage in hydraulics until retirement and was a fulltime farmer all of his life.  He was a member of the VFW and American Legion.  His heart and soul were in farming and the pride he took in raising Angus beef steers.  He thoroughly enjoyed restoring old tractors and always was a proud entrant in the annual Dozinky parade.  He was also proud of his Czech heritage and made a trip to the Czech Republic with his wife, Margie and sister, DeAnna.  His family remembers him as the resident joke-teller at all the family gatherings and he delivered them with perfect timing and punch lines.  His sister and best friend was often his partner at the local Chinese restaurant and Bob loved nothing more than a good buffet and a trip to farm implement stores.  He will be sorely missed by his family, many nieces and nephews, neighbors, and friends.

 Robert is survived by his sister and best friend, DeAnna Bastyr Goodwin of Prior Lake; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sue Bastyr and Charlie Henkels of Prior Lake; Margie’s children, Bob (Cindy) Novotny of Balsam Lake, WI, Alan (Kris) Novotny of New Prague, Glen Novotny of New Prague; many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his wife, Margie on January 19, 2016; parents; brothers, Darryl & Joyce; sister, Cheri Henkels.

 A Graveside Service will be held Friday, December 4, 2020 at 2:00 PM at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery with Father Eugene Theisen officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard.  Masks and social distancing are required at the cemetery.  A celebration of life service will be held later next spring or summer.  bruzekfuneralhome.com