Robert "Bob" Kondziela

Robert D. Kondziela, or, as he was better known as "Bob", passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. 

Bob was born in Walloon Lake, Michigan to Donald and Julia Kondziela, on August 19, 1937. He was a 1955 graduate of Petoskey High School of Petoskey, Michigan.

During his working life, he was an over the road truck driver, a truck terminal manager, and a handyman. 

For those that knew him, they could honestly say that Bob really enjoyed a good game of golf. He received 8 gold medals in the Tennessee District Senior Games, 9 gold medals in the Tennessee State Senior Games and a gold medal in the 2017 National Senior Olympic games in the 50-95 year age groups. He competed again in 2022 and received a bronze medal in the 80-85 year group. 

In his spare time, and aside from his love of golf, Bob loved to travel. Whether he was traveling by car or by his boat, he enjoyed meeting and helping others with his handyman skills. He was known by many residents for his general knowledge of Tellico Village. 

He is preceded in death by his three wives, Mary "Dolly" Smialek, Lynn "Slorahn", and Eleanor "Todd"; along with his son, David R. Kondziela.

He is survived by his children, Deborah Kondziela, Daniel (Anne) Kondziela, Karen (Mark) Sandstedt, Michele Bartfai, Robin (Chris) Bartels, Scott Welch, Kim Gran and 11 grandchildren. 

The family would like to give a special thanks to Fort Loudon Medical Center, Covenant Hospice for the care and compassion they gave. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the following causes that were important to Bob: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Covenant Hospice.

Gentry-Griffey Funeral Chapel and Crematory is honored to serve the Kondziela family and invites you to sign the online registry at www.gentrygriffey.com, 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert "Bob" Kondziela, please visit our floral store.