Robert J. Bratkovic, 77, of Chesterfield, MO passed away on Tuesday, July 16th, 2024.  Bob was born on March 6th, 1947, to Joseph and Helen Bratkovic in Chicago.  Soon thereafter, his family moved to the small beach town of Beverly Shores, Indiana.  As a kid, Bob enjoyed playing sports, especially basketball, and hanging out with his cousin Paul.  Bob's college career was interrupted when he was drafted to serve as a helicopter gunship pilot in Vietnam.  While only overseas for 1 year, Bob led combat missions daily, often heroically saving and protecting many other fellow soldiers, both on the ground and in his squadron, the famed TAIPAN.  After being shot down and/or crashing 8 times, Bob barely made it back to the United States, at which time he completed his Bachelor's Degree from Indiana University's prestigious Kelley School of Business.  Bob quickly found his lifelong career in logistic sales, and married his first wife of 20 years, Diana.  Bob's career took him to Michigan and then Iowa, where he found a hobby and additional business in raising and showing horses.  Bob divorced and found his way to St. Louis, MO where he met his wife of 30 years, Carol Cherry.  As a new and devoted father to Carol's sons Brett & Todd, Bob also helped raise Chris and Jimmy Hogrebe when their parents could no longer do so.  Bob resumed his career in logistic sales with Air, Land, & Sea Express where he also met long-term family friends, David & Angela Barkey.  Bob enjoyed driving his Corvette convertibles, playing with his dogs, and going to local pubs with his wife and friends to watch the Cardinals & Blues games.  He is survived by his wife Carol, his sons Brett (Jennifer) Cherry and Todd (Jackie) Cherry, his grandchildren Drew & Jace Cherry, his sister Carol, and nephews Willie, Abraham, and Jonah.

TAIPAN 11 over & out.

Funeral services will be held Monday, July 22nd at 1:30pm at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (meet at Sylvan Springs parking lot at 1 pm), followed by a Celebration of Life party at StackHouse Pub & Grill in Chesterfield.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Stray Rescue of St. Louis.