Robert E. Borneman

Robert “Bob” E. Borneman, 86, Rib Mountain, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 11, 2026, while under the care of Interim Hospice at Dimensions, Rib Mountain.

He was born January 9, 1940, in Antigo, son of the late Edward and Marjorie (Smith) Borneman.

Bob graduated from Antigo High School and moved to Milwaukee where he was united in marriage to Leona “Lee” Smrz on June 18, 1960. Bob worked as a city bus driver until they moved to Wausau with their two children, Sandy and Mike. He worked a short time for Wisconsin Outdoor Displays before he went on to build a successful career in residential general contracting. Bob owned and operated Bob Borneman Homes, LTD in Plover for 25 years until his retirement in 1997. He won several awards including multiple times for Builder of the Year. Bob was president of the Golden Sands Builders Association and in May of this year was inducted into the Wausau Builders Association hall of fame.

In 1974, Bob and Lee purchased a lake property in Hazelhurst known as “Borneman’s Haven”. Bob enjoyed all the seasons including hunting, fishing, boating, and spending time with his family. Bob was never happier than when his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids were up at the cottage. He was proud to be president of the Lake Association for several years and took pride in making the lake something the grandkids would enjoy into adulthood.

Bob and Lee loved traveling, whether that be with his siblings to Florida, bus trips across the United States or many trips to Alaska fishing. He was an avid Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Brewers fan. He enjoyed spending time down at the barn after retirement, tinkering with all kinds of stuff with his best friend Bug.

There was nothing Bob loved more than his family. He stayed very active in their lives by giving life advice.

Survivors include his wife, Leona “Lee” Borneman, Mosinee, his daughter, Sandy Weiland, Rib Mountain, his daughter-in-law, Julie Borneman, Rib Mountain and his grandchildren, Ashley (KC) Kline, Rib Mountain and Mitchael (Kristina) Borneman, Weston and two great grandchildren, River and Nora Borneman, two sisters, Mary Kay Baker, Rothschild and Peggy Jaeger, Weston and a brother, John (Parvis Ghassem) Borneman, Germany as well as many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his son Michael “Mike” Borneman and his siblings, Marjorie Arrowood, Joan Breitenfeldt, Nancy Nelson and Judi Hilger.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026, at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Acorn Hill Assisted Living and Dimensions Senior Living for all their care.