Robert John Wasko

Robert John Wasko passed away on December 4, 2024 at the age of 84, in Duluth, MN. Bob was born in St. Paul, MN on June 12, 1940 to parents, Francis Wasko and Elsa Wasko (Kersten). Raised in St. Paul, he was a 1958 graduate of Monroe High School. He attended the U of M on a hockey scholarship and lettered in both hockey and baseball. He was a member of the 1960 Gopher baseball team that won the NCAA Championship in the College World Series.

Bob, a pitcher, contributed by winning two games in that series. He then signed a professional baseball contract with the New York Yankees. He played four years in the minor leagues and was forced to retire due to an injury. Bob continued his education in teaching at St. Cloud State University and served as assistant baseball coach for two years. He then taught and coached for the next eleven years at the high school level. He was also inducted into Minnesota High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. Bob then went into sales, selling securities until his retirement from Northland Securities in 2005. Barbie and Bob retired to Duluth, MN to be closer to their grandchildren and their lake cabin. 

Bob is survived by his beloved wife and best friend, Barbie for 62 years; children, Steven (Kristi) and Suzanne Wasko (John Weston); grandchildren, Whitney, Austyn and Nikole; brother Doug (Karen) and nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Peace In Christ Lutheran Church, 5007 Maple Grove Road, Hermantown, MN 55811 on Saturday, December 14th at 12noon with a visitation starting at 11:00 a.m. Memorials preferred to either W. 7th. St. Boys Club; SSP Education Fund; or PIC Lutheran Church. Private interment. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555.