Robert D. Kasmerchak

Robert D. Kasmerchak, 89, of Wausau, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly on Sunday Nov. 5, 2017 at Wausau Manor. Born on November 11, 1927 in Hatley, Bob was the son of the late Joseph and Constance (Letarski) Kazmierczak. Robert proudly served his Country in the Navy during World War II. He married Lucy Gleason on September 11, 1947 in Wausau, where they raised a large family and started several businesses. Lucy preceded him in death in 2007. Bob was the owner and operator of Bob's Surefine Foods and the Corner Grocery Store in Wausau. In the 1970's he served as President of the Westside Businessmen's Association. He also was an independent insurance agent for over 30 years. He remained active throughout his entire life, pursuing his many interests right up until the time of his death. He loved to work out and swim at North Central Health Care Center, where he made many friends. He was also a life-long sports fan, who loved to cheer on his favorite teams including the Packers, the Badgers, & the Brewers. In his younger years, he was an accomplished baseball player and a member of the Hatley Baseball Team. Faith and helping others were very important aspects of Bob's life. He delivered Daily Devotional Booklets to hospitalized and shut-in members of Holy Name Catholic Church. He was also active in the Salvation Army, having travelled to Missouri & Illinois to help with disaster relief. He never turned down a request for help, and he frequently drove friends to the store to do their grocery shopping. Bob was a resilient, witty, fun-loving kid at heart who loved telling jokes, playing pranks, & playing cards with his family. He had a positive outlook on life and was always in a good mood, perpetually humming or whistling a tune. He worked well into his 80's and lived independently right up until the time of his death. If you asked him how he was doing, he would always tell you that he was "super great & getting better". He had a huge influence on the lives of his family, and he will be terribly missed. Survivors include his children, Candace (John) Hanz, Wausau, Cynthia (Dan) Malak, Rockwall, Tex., Cheryl Olig, Milwaukee, John (Donna) Kasmerchak, Rothschild, Joseph (Debbie) Kasmerchak, Wausau, Jay (Kay) Kasmerchak, Wauwatosa, James Kasmerchak, Milwaukee, Carla (Rick Cywinski) Kasmerchak, Mosinee, Tina (Sheldon) Baumann, Wausau, 21 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob, who was the last living member of the Joseph Kazmierczak family, was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Constance, his wife Lucy, his daughters, Catherine & Connie, his nine siblings, Marie (Mary), Ed, Regina, Mike, Esther, Prosper, Anton, John & Stanley, and numerous nieces & nephews. On Saturday, November 11, which would have been Bob's 90th birthday, we will celebrate his life at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am,. A Memorial Mass presided over by The Rev. Nate Kuhn will begin at 12:00 noon. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service in the church cafeteria. A private graveside service will be scheduled at a later date. The Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to a memorial fund that is being established.