Surnames: SMUKAL DECREMMER DECREMER SELVES CHANEY THRAUM

----Sources: Marshfield News Herald Monday 30 Oct 2000 Page A9

Smukal Robert G. (27 Mar 1917 - 28 OCT 2000)

ROBERT SMUKAL

Neillsville---Robert George Smukal, 83, of Neillsville, died Oct. 28, 2000 at Neillsville Medical Center, Neillsville. Robert "Bob" was born on March 27, 1917 in Muscoda, a son of the Rev. Ewald and Johanna (nee Thraum) Smukal. He was baptized on April 10, 1917 in the Lutheran Church at Muscoda.

When he was a small boy, his parents moved to Wisconsin Dells, where he received his education. He was confirmed in Trinity Lutheran Church by his father at the Dells.

After graduating from high school he went to Detroit, Mich. for 2 1/2 years working for his uncle John Klein, who operated the Deaf and Mute School there. Bob returned to the Dells and entered the Armed Forces. He was sent to the South West Pacific and to the Korean conflict.

On April 16, 1955 he was married to Ruth DeCremmer at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. He was employed by the city of Neillsville, working at the Water Plant for a number of years. After hei retirement from the city he worked for Figi's.

Bob was a faithful member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, having served as secretary for the Men's Club and then as treasurer of the church for 14 years. He was an active member of the Haugen-Richmond American Legion. He was also the janitor of the Lutheran school for a number of years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.

Bob is survived by his wife, Ruth; his son, William "Billy" (Mary Jane) Selves of Neillsville, one sister-in-law, Donna Chaney of Tucson, Ariz.; two nephews; one niece; and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Luther, Gerhardt, Henry and Ewalt "Pat"; and two grandchildren, Kim Selves and Scotty Selves.

Funeral services for Robert will be held 11:30 am Wednesday at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Timothy Biebert will officiate. Music will be provided by Sharon Nemitz, organist and St. John's School Choir.

Internment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery, with military rites accorded by the Haugen-Richmond American Legion Post 73, Neillsville.

Visitation will be from 7 to 9 pm Tuesday at the Gesche Funerl Home, Neillsville and from 10:30-11:30 Wednesday at the church.

Casket bearers are Walter Beyer, Arthur Krause, Kenny Kren, Daniel Pekol, Milton Schoenfeld and Fritz Seelow. In Lieu of flowers, memorials May be directed to St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Neillsville.