Robert "Bob" D. Junion

Robert “Bob” Junion passed away peacefully on February 23, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on October 15, 1931 in Sturgeon Bay, WI to the late Ray and Loretta Junion. The oldest of three siblings, he spent much of his childhood on the family farm. He graduated from Sevastopol High School in 1949 and furthered his education at St. Norbert

College, earning a BS in Biology. He was a member of the 1952 undefeated football team and later inducted into St. Norbert’s Hall of Fame in 2002. Upon graduation, dad coached one year at Central Catholic High School in Green Bay. Dad served in the US Army Infantry where he coached and played baseball through 1956. Upon completion of his service, he attended UW Madison, graduating with an MS in physical education. During his time in Madison, he met his wife of 66 years, the former Veronica Roessler, with whom he was united in marriage on August 17, 1957 in Plain, WI.

Dad’s teaching career started in 1957 as a biology teacher in Tigerton, where he also coached basketball and baseball. In 1959, his coaching duties took him to D.C. Everest High School, where he taught physical education, science, and math. He coached freshman football and varsity basketball.

Dad went to work for Wickfield Homes and sold houses for the House of Merrill. He took a position as a financial advisor for IDS American Express until his retirement in 1999.

During the 70’s, evenings were spent traveling around the state as a WIAA referee for both basketball and football. One of his highlights as a referee was being selected to ref a game in the high school basketball state tournament in Madison.

Dad was a member of the Wausau Elks, where his entire family would frequently gather in the banquet room for Friday Night Fish Fries. He volunteered his time and talents in various capacities for the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of St. Therese Catholic Church for 65 years. When he was no longer able to attend live mass, mom and dad faithfully watched daily mass on T.V.

Dad’s passion was playing cards with mom or hosting his card buddies on Tuesdays. They never missed because mom always had lunch and dessert waiting for them. His card playing took him to many annual tournaments in Texas, Las Vegas, Fond Du Lac, Canada, and Germany. Wherever there was a card game, dad was there either with a hand to play or soliciting advice on how to play your hand.

Dad loved his family. He enjoyed summer trips to Door County to pick cherries and strawberries, trips to the beach and visit family, as well as Madison. Highlights of family vacations were to Florida in which all of the kids flew free and a trip to Mexico with the whole family. He always made it a priority to attend all sporting events in which his children and grandchildren were participating.

Dad is survived by his eight children: Jaci (Doug), Don, Rick (Laurie), Dave, Dianne (Phil), Janine, Lisa (Gary), and Kathy. Ten grandchildren: Amber (Matt), Bryce (Elyse), Luke, Jennifer (Mike), Jordan (Julie), Sydney (Gabe), Caleigh, Joshua, Travis and Mara. Seven great-grandchildren: Brock, Marletta, Kealan, Finola, Gavin, Theodore, and Francis. He is further survived by his brother, Bill, along with many nieces and nephews. The priceless memories, stories and traditions will forever be in our hearts, as their legacy lives on in their family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you take the time to do something special with your family or a donation to the Family Crisis Center (1616 W. River Drive, Stevens Point, WI 54481).

Our sincerest gratitude to his granddaughter, Sydney, the staff at Rennes, and Nurse Jenny, for the care they provided.

Arrangements provided by Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home. Visitation will be held March 15 from 4PM-8PM at Peterson Kraemer (1302 Sixth Street Wausau). Visitation will be held March 16 from 9AM-11AM at St. Therese Catholic Church, Rothschild, with Mass to follow at 11AM.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.