Obituary lovingly written by nephew Mike Klis with contributions from son's Rob and Aaron Plaskas

Robert ("Bob") Arthur Plaskas

Robert Plaskas, a devoted husband, father, grandpa, uncle, educator, and coach, died August 28th, 2023, at his home in Oswego. He was 81.

This was a much-accomplished life worth remembering. Bob was born July 3, 1942, to Joseph and Myrtle Plaskas in Aurora, Ill. He earned 10 varsity letters in football, wrestling and baseball at Oswego High School before graduating in 1960. His decorated "Panther" wrestling career was highlighted with 2nd and 4th place finishes at the Illinois High School Association state wrestling Championships.

His excellence on the mats earned him a full wrestling scholarship to Northwestern University. The Wildcat grappler punctuated his successful college career in 1963, when he was crowned as Big Ten Conference champion in the 123-lbs weight class. Bob graduated from NU with a degree in education in 1964, before earning his masters at Eastern Michigan in 1966.

He started his teaching career in 1965 at Holy Redeemer Junior High in Milwaukee, Wis., before moving on to West Aurora High School in 1966 as a social studies teacher and assistant wrestling coach. He then became the University of Chicago's head wrestling coach but a year later returned to West Aurora High School, where he had a magnificent 13-year run as the Social Studies department chair and baseball coach for the Blackhawks. When Bob arrived at WAHS, the school had never fielded a varsity baseball team. However, he relentlessly pushed the administration to change that, and by 1969, the school had agreed, appointing him as the Blackhawk's first-ever head baseball coach - and let's just say he built the program the right way. In what was an unprecedented achievement, Bob led West Aurora to four consecutive state tournament appearances from 1973-76. During this remarkable run, Bob's teams brought home 3rd place finishes in 1973 and '75, and 5th place finishes in 1974 and '76. He was the Illinois Baseball Coach of the Year in 1975.

Bob returned to his high school alma mater in 1979 where he served as Oswego High School's Athletic Director from 1979-88, and a dual role as an American History teacher. As Oswego's AD, Bob's efforts were key in elevating Panther athletics to an elite level. He was instrumental in the hiring of a young Karl Hoinkes as head football coach, who would go on to lead the Panthers to two state titles, four Semi-Final appearances and 19 trips to the playoffs. In 1985, Bob brought "Friday Night Lights" to Oswego, when he successfully pushed the administration for funding of stadium lights on the football field. In 1986, he led the campaign to honor legendary OHS coach Ken Pickerill, by formally naming the school's football field "Ken Pickerill Stadium". Bob's successful efforts to revive the OHS Booster Club, improvements to the weight training facility and creation of an athletic training program, were other significant contributions made to the Panther athletics during his tenure. After stepping down as AD to allow more time for his family, Bob continued his teaching career at OHS. As United States History teacher, he was widely regarded by both students and faculty, as one of the school's most loved and respected teachers until his retirement in 1999.

Bob Plaskas is a member of both the Oswego and West Aurora Hall of Fames.

Bob married the love of his life Margaret Kuney on July 6, 1968, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with a huge party on their "Ponderosa" property along the Fox River in Oswego in 2018. Through all the ups, downs and challenges that life threw at them, Bob and Margaret's love never wavered as they remained side-by-side through it all. Their love and commitment for each other forged a bond that led them to their proudest accomplishments – parents to their two sons Aaron (OHS 1993) and Rob (OHS 1996), both of whom graduated from Oswego High School and were stand-out athletes, just like their father.

Bob took such great pride in his sons' successes, whether it was on the playing field, or their respective careers. Aaron owns a financial planning firm in Des Moines, IA, where he lives with his family. Rob is a published author and inspirational speaker, living in Springfield, Il.

Rob's memoir, "My Fight for Recovery, A Story of Overcoming Life-Threatening Brain Surgery" is his inspiring life story, which Bob cited as giving him strength and courage during his battle with cancer. In his book, Rob credits his father's love, values and work ethic, as to what taught him how to overcome the challenges he faced, while being thankful for each day we have with one another.

Bob is survived by his wife and sons, his sister Mary Ann (Joseph) Klis, his sister-in-law Sue (Joe) Plaskas, his daughter-in-law Beth, granddaughters McKenna and Delaney, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Last, but not least, his beloved dog "Waylon", who brought countless hours of happiness, peace and comfort to Bob, through his final days. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Joe Plaskas. Special thanks to Roberto and Merlita Cimafranca and Lori Riley for tending to Bob and Margaret's health needs in Bob's final chapter.

At his request, there will not be funeral services. Instead, a celebration of Bob's life will be held at the famed "Ponderosa", his lifelong home held at the family's home, 55 N. Adams St. in Oswego, Illinois on October 14th, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.  A prayer will  be said at 3:00 p.m. followed by open mic at 4:30 p.m. where people will be welcomed and encouraged to step up to share memories, stories, funnies, etc.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Cremation arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY.

For further information about the memorial celebration you can contact Aaron Plaskas at  a.plaskas@gmail.com