Robert J. "Bob" Marcell

After fighting a "six-months-to-live" cancer prognosis for two years, Robert J. "Bob" Marcell, 61, of Kronenwetter, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 11, 2017, surrounded by family and friends at St. Clare's Hospital, Weston. He was born April 2, 1956 in Wausau, and remained there his entire life. Son of the late Robert P. and Marian (Klimek) Marcell, Bob spent his younger years "causing a ruckus", as countless family and friends recall. Shortly after graduating high school, he met a girl named Gail at a wedding. They fell in love, and were married July 16, 1977 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Hales Corner. Soon after marriage, Bob began to focus on learning the family business, Marcell's Specialties of Wausau, eventually becoming the sole owner. Over the course of his career, he helped hundreds of families and businesses survive the harsh winters of Wisconsin with a warm fireplace/stove, and he wanted to let the community know it was his pleasure providing that service. Marcell's Specialties will be continued by his wife Gail and son Robert Jr (BJ). He loved curling, camping, traveling to Alaska, restoring his El Camino, golf, being with his grandkids, and between work and play made many friends throughout the greater Wausau community. After his cancer diagnosis, he became active in the Livestrong program, receiving and giving support to other cancer fighters. Bob's family and his business were his life, and many of his family worked in the business at one time or another. He was the first associate who wasn't a builder to become president of the Wausau Area Builders Association. He was a board member of the North Central Hearth Patio Barbecue Association, serving a term as president. He served on the board of the National HPBA for two years. The measure of any man is his family, and Bob leaves behind his wife, Gail Marcell, Kronenwetter, his mother-in-law, Helen Heil, Kronenwetter, his children, Robert J. "B.J." Marcell, Kronenwetter, Nicholas (Jessie) Marcell, Marathon, and their two sons Christopher and Colby Marcell, (whom Bob nicknamed "George and Ralphy") and Jennifer Marcell, (whom Bob affectionately called "Blondie") of Nome, Alaska. Bob was proud of his children pursuing their dreams and becoming professionals in their respective fields. He is also survived by his siblings, Jackie (Al) Davis, Michigan, Patty (Craig) Fryk, Kentucky and Peggy (Keith) Weller, Weston, and many nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his infant brother, Michael. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 19, 2017 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild. Friends may call on Friday, August 18, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau and again on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com. In lieu of sending flowers, Bob wished people to donate to their preferred charity, to cancer research, or to St. Mark's Catholic parish.