Robert Kobos, 90

On Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, Robert W. Kobos, loving husband and father of eight children, passed away at the age of 90. Robert "Bob" was born Feb. 14, 1933, in Chicago, Ill., to Walter and Mary (Talaga) Kobos.

Robert served his country as a welder in the Army from 1953 to 1955. While assigned to duties in France, Bob met and married the love of his life, Lucyna Lazarewicz, on Aug. 9-10, 1955, in Fontenay, France. 

They returned to the United States and established a hospitality business in Florida, delighting in the arrival of their first-born son, Michael. After a return to Chicago, they were blessed with four more children, Roberta, Mark, Patricia and Thomas. A move to Missoula, Mont., followed and the family grew to include three more children, Mary (Tess), and the twins, April and Mathew.

Bob was a lover of cars, especially fast ones. As a young man, he was active on racing circuits, did a great deal of his own mechanical work, and traveled to watch races whenever possible.

As a husband and father, Bob used his love of mechanics to plan a future for his family. After earning his Diesel Mechanic Certification in Illinois, he accepted a job with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Missoula.

In the summer of 1967, he and Lucyna moved the family out West. From there, Bob used his strong mechanical skills, his ability to communicate with clarity and calmness, and his natural talent with problem solving, to be promoted through the ranks and eventually into managerial positions.

He remained with the Caterpillar franchise in Missoula for more than 30 years, until his retirement in 1998. Shortly thereafter, Bob and Lucyna moved to the family's cherished summer home in Big Arm on Flathead Lake and made it their permanent residence. Family and friends visited frequently to enjoy their company and the peace and beauty of this sanctuary.

Bob was preceded in death by his father and mother, Walter and Mary, along with his two sisters, Judy and Lori. He is survived by his wife, Lucyna; his eight children, Michael (Rebecca), Roberta, Mark, Patricia (Donal), Thomas, Tess (Lon), April, and Mat (Heather); his sister, Alice (Richard); along with 19 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Robert "Bob" Kobos on Friday, May 24, at 10 a.m. The service will take place at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 2055 Woody Drive, Billings. We invite family and friends to gather together to remember this wonderful man, husband, father and friend, who will be greatly missed.

A brunch will follow the service. If you are planning to join us, please RSVP on or before May 17 to BobKCelebration2024@gmail.com with the number of people in your group. 

Condolences may be sent to Lucyna Kobos, 2610 Woody Drive, Billings, MT 59102.