Colonel (Ret.) Robert Andrew Zierak's Obituary
Colonel (Ret.) Robert “Bob” Andrew Zierak of Fayetteville, Arkansas, died Monday, March 30, 2026. He was born November 7, 1933, in Amsterdam, New York to Andrew Joseph and Mary Elizabeth (Walag) Zierak. Robert was baptized and confirmed in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Amsterdam where he attended elementary school. He graduated from Wilbur Lynch High School in 1951 and subsequently went to work for the General Electric Company in its Machinist Apprenticeship Program. After graduation he attended the University of Arkansas where he graduated in May 1959.
He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and Scabbard and Blade. He enrolled in the ROTC program and, as a Distinguished Military Graduate, received his Regular Army Commission. He served as an Artilleryman and Comptroller in the US Army for thirty years and retired as a Colonel (0-6) in 1988. He served three tours in Germany and two tours in Vietnam. During his career he earned a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and attended the Executive Program at Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. His military medals include the Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal and several service medals.
He met and married Mary Ann Wilson of Malvern, Arkansas in December 1959. Together they joined the Presbyterian Church and were members of the First United Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Robert was an Elder and Deacon of the Church, having served two terms as elder, and was active in establishing the Church's Columbarium.
After retiring from the Army, Robert did volunteer work for the Meals on Wheels program and subsequently became the accountant where he served for 5 years until he retired from that position. He always was an avid Razorback fan and faithfully attended most of the U of A football and basketball games. He was a member of the Arkansas Alumni Association for many, many years. He traveled extensively, after his retirement from the military service, to Eastern and Western Europe, the Mediterranean and Latin American countries and almost all of the states of the USA. He was privileged to care for many cats in his lifetime and was a faithful contributor to many pet charities, along with conservation organizations.
He is survived by his nephew, Michael Zierak; Michael’s wife, Stacey; and their children, Andrew, Larissa, Kaitlyn, and Cecelia, all of Vermont. He is also survived by his Arkansas family, including his “dear lady friend”, Billie Jo McGuire; her daughters, Melinda Jenkins and her husband, Wayne, Donell Daniel and her husband, Daryl, and Cheryl Emerick and her husband, Michael; as well as four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
There will be a memorial service announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s name to the NWA Humane Society for Animals. The mailing address is 405 East Nursery Road, Rogers, AR 72758.
To leave an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com
What’s your fondest memory of Colonel (Ret.) Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Colonel (Ret.) Robert?
Share a story where Colonel (Ret.) Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Colonel (Ret.) Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Colonel (Ret.) Robert make you smile?