Robert "Bob" D. Muetzel

Robert “Bob” Muetzel, 57, of Wausau, WI, passed away on April 23, 2025, under the care of Hospice services after a long and courageous battle with complex health issues and addiction. Though he faced many challenges in his life, he was deeply loved and will be remembered for his free spirit, sharp wit, and the moments of warmth he shared with his family.

Bob was born in Wausau to the late Wilford “Bud” and Barbara (Reissmann) Muetzel. He was the youngest of four children. Coming along nine years later, he sure liked to raise hell for the whole family.

Robert graduated from Wausau West in 1985. Later in life, he took many classes through NTC. He loved learning and seeking out new knowledge. His ultimate goal was to have a degree in psychology. During his time in the workforce, Bob wore many different hats. He was known as a skilled CNA while working at North Central Health Care Center. While there, Bob created many friendships and got his first taste of union life. Later, Bob became a lead shift supervisor at SNE Window and Doors in Mosinee. While there, he was also elected VP of the company's union; helping colleagues negotiate wages, discuss grievances, and create a better working atmosphere were some of the things Bob enjoyed doing most. As his daughter grew older, they spent time working together through the Marathon County Parks Department, operating the tubing hill at Sylvan Hill Park.

Bob was a complex man- flawed, like all of us- but he loved deeply and always tried to show up the best he could. The light of his life was his one and only daughter, Amanda. Together, they spent countless hours biking, rollerblading, going to the movies, or dining at local restaurants. Bob enjoyed being outside, and he would bike all over Wausau. When he was not out bumming around, he was a homebody; he enjoyed cooking a good steak on the charcoal grill, sitting by a campfire, or playing a game of RISK or Dungeons and Dragons. His favorite game was called Tecmo Bowl, which he played on the Super Nintendo- he even asked for this while in the hospital! Additionally, Bob had a knack for making friends wherever he went and creating lifelong bonds with people, whether it was with Amanda’s extended family, by being a father figure to Amanda’s older siblings, “Brother-in-Law Bob” at family gatherings, or Uncle Bobby chasing the kids off the porch. Even as a single dad, he embraced girl-dad life and welcomed all of his daughter’s friends to tag along on their adventures.

Unfortunately, Bob also struggled with alcoholism and other addictions. This behavior took him away from his daughter for over a decade, but as fate would have it, they were reconnected. In the last year, Bob met his three grandchildren for the first time, an honor he didn’t think he would be privileged to experience. His journey was not always easy, but it was real, and those who knew him will remember both his struggles and his strengths with compassion.

Bob is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Jacob Thoma; three beautiful grandchildren, Tucker, Mia, and Deacon; siblings, Barbie Muetzel (Michael Slagowski), Jan (Sue) Muetzel, and Martha Leitow of Michigan; several nieces and nephews, Penny Leitow, Kristi (Eduardo) Castro, Colt Leitow, Boston (Carrie) Leitow, Dakota Leitow, Jordan (Lauren) Slagowski, Benjamin (Maura) Slagowski, Griffin Slagowski, Kellen (Clarissa) Slagowski, and Hailey Muetzel who will all continue to honor his memory by living their lives with resilience, empathy, and love.

Preceding Robert in death are his parents.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 at Sylvan Hill Park, 1329 Sylvan St., Wausau, from 3-6 pm, followed by a private dinner and memorial service for close family and friends of Bob and Amanda.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please know you are not alone. Help is always available, and there is no shame in reaching out. Healing is possible, and support is always within reach.