Robert Lee Molenda of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, passed away on January 17, 2026, in Mountain Home, Arkansas, at the age of 81. He was born on February 17, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, to Wenceslaus and Sophie Molenda.

Robert worked for many years at Signode Steel and proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. In 1999, he moved from Bridgeview, Illinois, to Bull Shoals, where he made his home and became an active member of the community. He was a longtime member of the Hoevel-Barnett Post #1341 VFW.

Robert loved the simple pleasures of life and was right at home with a fishing rod in hand, a golf club on the course, out hunting, or gathered around a pool table or poker game—usually doing all of it very well.

He is survived by his son, David (Linda) Molenda of Ballwin, Missouri; his granddaughter, Jennifer (Jeremiah) Thompson of Ballwin, Missouri; his great-grandchildren, Benjamin, Autumn, and Zadin Thompson; his longtime friend and partner, Chloe Strecker; and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Martin Molenda; and his longtime partner, Marlene Tycar.

A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Hoevel-Barnett Post #1341 in Bull Shoals, Arkansas, with military honors provided by the Hoevel-Barnett Post #1341 VFW and the United States Marine Corps.

Memorials may be made to Tunnels to Towers (T2T.org).