Obituary of Robert Jeska

Robert George Jeska quietly passed away in his sleep, at home with his family at 5:40 AM on the 23rd of September, 2008. We lost a husband and father; but the nation lost a sturdy, selfless, and self-reliant citizen who did his duty when called, always held a steady job, and took care of those whom God entrusted to his care- all without a great education or help of any sort. He diligently strived to do the right, just and honorable thing in any situaiton. His life was an example of decency and fairness. He was born on the 22nd of February, 1924, on the family farm in Millston, Wisconsin, the eighth of 13 children to Albert and Amelia Jeska. Before moving to Salinas in 1938, he and three older brothers managed the 360 acre farm for several months while his parents and younger siblings made a pre-move visit to California. He did the cooking. He enlisted in the Marines in early 1942, serving with the 3rd Platoon, L Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Regt, 2nd Marine Division on numerous amphibious operations in the Pacific, including Tarawa, Sai'pan, Leyte, Luzon, and Grai'pan, before being seriously wounded. He was awarded the Purple Heart in July, 1944. After the war, he returned to work as a carpenter and a member of Carpenter's Local 925, retiring in 1981, after more than 37 years. He worked on, or was superintendent managing the construction of, numerous prominent buildings in the Salinas-Monterey area, including the Memorial Hospital, the Salinas Post Office, Fat City Office, Monterey PG&E Office, Fremont, Alisal, and Santa Rita Schools, Sherwood Gardens Shopping Center, Monterey Elks Lodge, Schillings, the County Health Department, the County Jail, and the North County High School. His greatest pleasures were fishing and hunting, particularly in the Sierras, and barbequing for the extended family. He was quite a cook but his most favorite snack was sardines and crackers. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Iona, and sons Robert and Sherri of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Brian and Val of Salinas, and Max of Salinas. His six grandchildren are Heather and Jimmy Espana of Concord, Eric and Esther Jeska of San Marcos, Shay and Chris Weaver, LT., USN - deployed on the USS Reagan, CPT Aaron Jeska, USA - deployed with the 101st Airborne Division, Iraq, Lesley Jeska of Ft. Collins, Colorado, and Andrea and Andrew Carter of Oakland. His three great-grandchildren are Jack Weaver, Wyatt Jeska, and Griffing Weaver. In addition, older sister Gladys of Baker, Oregon, younger brother Marvin of Ashland, Oregon, younger sister Betty of Shasta, and numerous nieces and nephews survive him. Cremation has already taken place at Healey Mortuary. No public service is planned. The family requests any donations be made to the Visiting Nurses Association and Hospice 6 Quail Run Circle #101 Salinas, CA 93907.