John "Jack" E. Bobinski

John E. Bobinski (Jack), 85, of Rothschild, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at home surrounded by the love of his family and dear friends. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, compassion and unwavering love for his family.

A dedicated pediatrician of more than 30 years, he devoted his professional life to caring for children and supporting families with kindness, wisdom, and genuine compassion. To the countless patients whose lives he touched, he was more than a physician–he was a trusted source of comfort, hope and healing.

Jack was born on January 12, 1941 in New Haven, CT to Margaret Bobinski. He graduated from Hamden Hall and attended Fairfield University in CT. During his time in high school and college, Jack worked at a YMCA camp for children with disabilities as a counselor and, eventually, camp director. It was at Camp Hubinger that he was determined to spend his life paying special attention to children with special needs. From Fairfield, Jack moved to medical school at St. Louis University where a chance meeting turned his life in an entirely new direction. On October 15, 1964, the St. Louis Cardinals beat the New York Yankees to win the World Series, and word quickly spread around the city that a giant party was being thrown with free beer from Budweiser. At Gaslight Square in downtown St. Louis, Jack did not find any free beer, but he did meet a beautiful blonde named Teresa Nicholas and immediately fell in love. They married on September 4, 1965. After graduating from medical school, Jack began his internship at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. He was drafted into the U.S. Air Force in 1969 and spent two years at the air base in Duluth, MN where he was discharged as a major in 1971. He returned to Cardinal Glennon becoming Chief Resident in pediatrics. From there, Jack moved his family to Wausau, WI to become the second pediatrician in the city at the Wausau Medical Center. He was instrumental in the Neurodevelopment Clinic, helping children with special needs and starting Rainbow’s End Day Camp. He served on the DC Everest School Board from 1974-1977. Jack retired from practicing medicine in 2020 but never stopped caring for others in any and all ways possible.

Jack cherished his family more than anything. Jack was a devoted husband, loving father, proud “Poppy”, and loyal friend whose greatest joy came from simply being with the people he loved. Whether sharing a laugh, showing up for people when they needed it most, or offering a quiet word of wisdom, he made those around him feel valued and deeply loved. Summers spent at the family cottage fishing, boating and laughing were what made Jack the happiest. He loved giving gifts to everyone and always thought of others in ways that made them feel so special. Christmas mornings packed into the small family room were filled with laughter and love and always with special surprise gifts from Poppy. He was an avid reader and had an extensive library at home that he shared with people he loved. His love for sports was shown in his enthusiastic support for all things Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Missouri Tigers and Texas A&M Aggies. And you would always find him at Steihm Stadium on a Friday night cheering on his beloved Evergreens.

Jack was a faithful Catholic, and it shaped every part of his life. It guided the way he loved, served, forgave and lived each day. His quiet devotion and steadfast trust in God were an example to all who knew him.

The traditions he created, the love he gave, and the values he instilled in his children and grandchildren will forever be his greatest legacy. He lived a life marked by service–to his country, his patients, his church, and above all, his family. His example of compassion, humility and unconditional love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jack will be remembered for his kind heart, deep faith, quiet strength and infinite wisdom.

None of his accomplishments would have been possible had Jack’s life taken a different turn. He will forever be grateful to his friends and colleagues at his Thursday morning AA meeting who helped Jack stay sober since 1983.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of almost 61 years, Teresa. He is survived by his children Ann (Terry) Geier, John (Abbey) Bobinski, and Lisa (Cullen) Sloan. He is also survived by the pride and joys of his life: his nine grandchildren Whitney (Jackson), Sydney (Isaac), Olivia, Trey, Jack, Nicholas, Ava, Ian and Grace. He was preceded in death by his mom, Margaret.

The family would like to thank the love and care provided by Cornerstone Caregiving especially Andrea and Alecia who became like family to Jack in the past year. We also thank Jack’s close friends Jimmy Lombardo, Bob Poole, Darryl Witt, Tom Helbach and Red Courtmanche for their unwavering love and friendship. Our sincere gratitude to Jason Schulta and the staff at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home for taking care of Jack at the end. Jack would have wanted everyone to know that he was at Jason’s birth as his pediatrician and how full circle it was to have Jason take care of him at the end of life.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2026 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild. The Rev. Janusz Kowalski will preside. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Jack’s name. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com