Men like Bob Chudzik come into our lives only once in a lifetime. From the first time I met him until he entered Heaven, he was a true blessing. Whether it was surprising our small Christian school with a sack full of burgers or gifting his preacher with a 1911 pistol, Bob’s generosity knew no bounds. He had a passion for collecting old Bibles and books, and he was always searching for rare and valuable volumes to add to my growing collection. He knew how to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Bob’s life had not always been easy. He was born into a dysfunctional home with little family interaction. At a young age, he was sent to an orphanage, where he was introduced to a false religion that taught salvation through good works. Despite the challenges, Bob found solace in working with horses and eventually had a horse of his own.

As a teenager, Bob was angry and confused. He saddled up his horse and rode off into the Midwest prairie, seeking adventure and freedom. It was there that he met a World War II veteran who was struggling to cope with the trauma of war. The veteran was building a house, and Bob helped him finish the basement before deciding to stay and assist with the construction for a few years.

After leaving the veteran’s house, Bob became a rodeo cowboy, riding broncos, roping, and bull riding. He traveled extensively throughout the Midwest, and it was during one of these trips that he met his future wife, Pat. It was love at first sight, and Bob knew immediately that she was the one for him. However, when he asked her out, she hesitated due to his drinking and his beliefs about salvation. Bob told her he could quit drinking, but there was nothing he could do about the religion he had been raised in.

But Pat’s grandmother began praying for Bob, and over time, her prayers and witness led him to realize that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not good works. As Bob learned more about Jesus, he realized that he was a sinner, as the Bible says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). He understood that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 6:23). He also learned that “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Moreover, Bob understood that if he would simply receive the free gift of God by faith, he could be saved. The Bible says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, ‘Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.’ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:9–13).

When Bob called upon the Lord, his life was changed forever. A peace that he had never known before became his through salvation in Jesus Christ.

Bob and Pat were married on April 4, 1959. During their marriage, Bob served in the Army, became a self-taught farrier and blacksmith, and developed a passion for art and antiques. He studied and collected relics from various genres, selling collections throughout his life. Bob’s many talents and interests included teaching, business ownership, building, and horse breeding.

Together, Bob and Pat had two children, Robby and Farah, and helped raise their grandchildren. Robby has three children: Jessica, Robert, and Teena. Farah has three sons: Chris, Cody, and Caleb. Between them are eight great-grandchildren.

Bob Chudzik was, and is, a friend of a lifetime. Everyone who knew him was better off after meeting him. I had the honor of being Bob’s pastor from 1997 until his passing in December 2024.

His wife Pat says, “He was a brilliant man and a one-of-a-kind man. No one will ever be like him. He was the love of my life for more than 66 years.”

Farah Jill loves you, Daddy. I will see you and Robby again some glad morning in Heaven.