Robert F. Vanicek, 96, of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, died in his sleep Saturday, October 27, 2012, at his granddaughter Colette's home in Fallbrook, CA, where he lived for the past three years. He was born August 13, 1916 in Schuyler, Nebraska to Jerry and Frances Vanicek. He was their only child. Robert attended Rural School District No. 26, of Colfax County, NE and graduated May 1931. He received his draft card Oct. 16, 1940, and joined the Navy, where he became a Certified Signalman. After serving for 5 years, he was honorably discharged on Nov. 29, 1945 after receiving the Victory Medal, the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Area Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the Point System Discharge, and the Good Conduct Medal. During the end of his Naval service he met his soon to be wife Helen in San Francisco, CA. He later married her in Waterloo, NE on January 1, 1946. The two went on to own rental properties and the very successful B & D Front End, Brake and Alignment Shop. He retired in 1980. Robert was initiated into the Masonic Lodge on January 10, 1957 where he continued to be a Mason for the next 55 years. Robert is survived by a son, John L. Butcher Jr., 4 grandsons, 3 granddaughters, 5 great-grandsons, 4 great-granddaughters, 2 great-great granddaughters, and 3 great-great grandsons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Frances Vanicek, wife Helen R. Vanicek, so Douglas L. Butcher Jr.. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 from 1-3 p.m. at Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary in Fallbrook, CA with funeral services and celebration of life to follow at the Grand Tradition Estate and Gardens in Fallbrook, CA. Robert will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife on November 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, CA. The family requests memorial donations to the American Heart Association or Disabled Veterans Association.