Robert C. Goldbach

Robert C. Goldbach, 72, of Marathon, Rhinelander and St. Pete Beach, Florida, died Thursday, January 25, 2007, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a courageous battle with a rare form of leukemia. He was born May 8, 1934 in Wausau to the late Joseph and Anna (Dalsky) Goldbach. Because his parents both died during his pre-school years, he was raised by his oldest sister Lillian, who preceded him in death by one month, and her husband Rudy Poeske of Marathon. He survives. Robert graduated from Marathon High School in 1952 and then went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He was a member of American Legion Post 469, Marathon. On October 25, 1955, he married Iris Ann Mateofsky at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon. She survives. He retired in 1999 as President and General Manager of Packaging Tape, Inc, Wausau, having been with the company since its inception. He was a member and first lector of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon, trustee and member of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's Endowment Fund, member of Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Leo Court 795 and former board member of St. Mary's Parish. Robert was current Secretary and member of the Board of Directors at Marathon State Bank, Marathon and member of Crescent Lake Association, Rhinelander. He formerly served on the Board of Directors for International Distributions Systems, Jacksonville, Florida and on the Board of Trustees for the Village of Marathon. Bob will be remembered for his generosity, love of family, adoration of his grandchildren, sense of humor, story telling and singing voice, love for the Green Bay Packers and enjoying season tickets in Green Bay with family and friends, passion for flower gardening and enjoyment in having visitors at his lake home for pontoon boat tours of Crescent Lake. Having a strong faith, he attended Mass with his wife daily since his retirement. His commitment to the Catholic Church and devotion to his family guided him throughout his life. Survivors include his wife, Iris; one daughter, Cindy Goldbach Smith, Rothschild; one son, John (Courtney) Goldbach, Hartford; five grandchildren, Bradley and Daniel Smith of Rothschild and Hannah, Collin and Samuel Goldbach of Hartford; three sisters, Adeline (Clarence) Rochow, Delores Gassner and Elsie Martino, all of Wausau; sisters-in-law Marie Goldbach, Marathon and Nila Kaltenberg, Wausau; brothers-in-law Rudy Poeske, Marathon and Jacob Hornung, Edgar; numerous nieces, nephews and godchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Raymond, Hubert, Clarence and Felix; five sisters, Lillian Poeske, Lucille Goldbach, Virginia Hornung, Marie Lins and Agnes Goldbach. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 am, Monday, January 29, 2007, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon. The Rev. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call from 3pm to 7pm, Sunday, January 28 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Marathon. Visitation will continue Monday, January 29 from 9 am to 11:30 am at the church. The family wishes to thank Dr. Hamied Rezazadeh, the nurses and staff at Aspirus Wausau Hospital and the UW Cancer Center for their kindness and caring compassion. They would also like to thank Father Joseph Diermeier for his unending love and support. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com.