Robert Marcell

Robert (Bob) Paul Marcell, known to his many friends as "Rocky", died on Saturday, June 20, 2009, at the age of 86. He was born on July 16, 1922 in Shell Lake, WI to Harold and Elizabeth (Feist) Marcell. Bob spent most of his life in Wausau. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marian in 1996, his infant son Michael in 1964, his parents, 5 brothers, and 1 sister. Bob is survived by four of his children; Jacqueline (Albert) Davis of Rhinelander, Patricia (Craig) Fryk of Plover, Peggy (Keith) Weller of Weston, and Robert J. (Gail) Marcell Sr. of Kronenwetter; thirteen grandchildren; Christopher (Heidi) Davis of Portland, OR, Patricia (Andrew) Veith of Dubai, UAE, Colleen (Edward) Reagan of Portland, OR, Danielle (Jon) Ewalt of Bayfield, WI, Lance Fryk (fiancee Billie Lynn Risinger) of Louisville, KY, Amanda Fryk (fiance Jon Atwood) of Littleton, New Hampshire, Lisa (Robert) Wistrom of Mosinee, Sara (Joe) Proulx of Schofield, Trudy ( Thomas) Nechuta of Edgar, Bryan Weller of Weston, Robert J. Marcell Jr. ( fiancee Elizabeth Barabe) of Merrill, Nicholas (Jessie) Marcell of Marathon, Jennifer Marcell of St. Louis, Missouri; eleven great-grandchildren; Bennett, Calvin and Davis Veith, Meagen and Caden Wistrom, Ethan and Elijah Proulx, Hannah, Zachary and Isabel Nechuta, Christopher Marcell, and two soon-to-be born great-grandsons. He is also survived by four siblings; Mary Guenther of Schofield, Katy O'Malley of Weston, Fanchon Smith of West Bend, and Charles Marcell of Fresno, CA. Bob was a World War II veteran. He joined the army in April of 1943 and trained as a B-17 Gunner. He was a prisoner of war in Germany from May 8, 1944-May 8, 1945. He married the former Marian Klimek on May 8, 1948. In 1949, Bob and Marian established Marcell's Home Improvements, a business that initially specialized in wrought iron railings. Bob retired from the business (which evolved into Marcell's Specialties Inc.) in 1982. Bob's son and his family currently run the business. Bob was a very active member of St. Michael Catholic Church. He was on the Parish Council for many years. In his later years he was a head usher. Parishioners remember how Bob greeted them on Sunday mornings with a smile and a wink. Bob was very active and well-known in the Wausau community. He was a lifetime member of the Wausau Elks Club. He was also very active in the Knights of Columbus and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Bob and Marian enjoyed spending time at their cottage in Lake Tomahawk. They also loved to entertain family and friends with music, dance, and good cheer. Bob was a kind and loving man. His wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:30 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2009 at St. Michael Catholic Church, Wausau. The Rev. William Grevatch will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, where full military honors will be conducted by the VFW Burns Post No. 388, Wausau. Friends may call Thursday from 5 - 8 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 6th Street, Wausau and again on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Bob's loved ones are grateful for the staff at Cedar Creek Manor in Kronenwetter, who lovingly cared for him during his last few years. Memorials may be directed to St. Michael Parish or to the family for a memorial to be established. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com