Robert E. Rogalla

Robert Edwin "Bob" Rogalla, 85, of Weston, Wisconsin, joined his Lord and Savior in Paradise on March 24, 2024.  He passed away at the Wausau Aspirus Hospital with his loving family at his side.  He was born on February 13, 1939, in Wausau to Ben and Helen (Dallman) Rogalla, and grew up in a large family on their farm near Bevent, WI.  He graduated from Wittenberg High School, and then served in the U.S. Army from January 1958 through December 1959 as a Combat Engineer stationed in Germany.

Bob was a friendly, faithful, and outgoing family man who loved to talk and joke with anyone and everyone.  He never considered anyone a stranger; they were simply a friend he just hadn’t met yet.  Bob married the love of his life, Katherine “Katy” Kavajecz on July 1, 1961 in Wausau.  He and Katy raised six wonderful and spirited children, and they were further blessed with 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren over their 62-plus year marriage.

In his professional life, Bob worked as a Field Engineer for NCR (National Cash Register Corp.) for 31 years before starting and operating his own business, BR Sales and Services, for 25 years.  He also enjoyed building and working in his meager spare time.  He and Katy built two family cottages from the ground up, and he made countless cords of wood with his sons over the years.

A lifelong Catholic Christian, Bob worshipped at St. Mark Parish in Rothschild and then St. Anne Parish in Wausau. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and loved the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers.  Later in life, Bob embraced and expressed a passion for ballroom dancing, where he especially cherished dancing with his beloved wife, but also enjoyed with anyone else he could get to dance with him.  Bob loved getting away to their lake cottage where he spent many hours on the water fishing, watching the loons and eagles, and just enjoying God’s Country “Up-North.”  He also thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation in the Village of Maine where he and Katy built a home and lived for 25 years.  In October, he and Katy became residents at Renaissance Assisted Living Community in Weston where they made many new friends among the residents and staff, and enjoyed many new activities there.   

Bob is survived by his wife, Katy Rogalla; his children Robert J. (Anna) Rogalla, Michele “Missy” Whalen, Diane (Scott) Graykowski, Anthony “Tony” (Debbie Rank) Rogalla, Terrence “Terry” (Theresa) Rogalla, and Patrick Rogalla; grandchildren Ben (Kaera), Jenny (Dustin Tatro), Nick, and Joe Rogalla; Carissa, Jake, and Mariah Whalen; Payten (Sophie) Graykowski; Caitlin Rogalla, Sara (Kyle) Kimerling, Holly (Tristan) Peterson; Bridget (Cory) Ottum, Mckenzi, Nolan, Keira, Alonna, and Trenten Rogalla; and Paige, Parker, and Felicity Rogalla; great-grandchildren Jovie and Jacklyn Kimerling; Audrey, Aileen, Ellis, and Melanie Ottum; Grant Graykowski; and Emberlee Peterson.  In addition, Bob’s sister Barbara Worzalla and brothers-in-law Jim, Rudy (Audrey), and Andy (Carol) Kavajecz.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Benedict Rogalla, his parents-in-law, Rita and Joseph Kavajecz, ten siblings, and three siblings-in-law.

The Funeral for Bob will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at St. Anne Catholic Church in Wausau, WI. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the Mass at 11:00 AM.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.