Obit: Dobson, John R. Sr. (1924 – 2010)

Contact: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Dobson, Olson, Cary, Meyer, Best, Smith, Bogacz, Bending, Higginbothen, Hauger, Kislinger, Halligan, Moquin

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI.) April 14, 2010

Dobson, John R. Sr. (8 November 1924 – 3 April 2010) With Flag

John R. Dobson Sr., 85, of the Town of Elk, Price County, died Saturday, April 3, 2010, at his home under the care of his family and Flambeau Home Health and Hospice.

He was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Black River Falls, the son of Lutheran and Agnes (Olson) Dobson.

He started out on his own at an early age.  He enlisted in the U. S. Navy during World War II, where he served his country as a military policeman from June 16, 1943, to July 7, 1945.

Following his return from military service, he owned and operated Dobson Milk Transit in Orfordville for 45 years.  He made his home in Price County in the Town of Elk in 1971.

He was employed in carpentry work and for the Flambeau Correction Facility in Hawkins and was the owner and operator of several businesses in the area, including Dobson’s Pine Point Resort, Elk River Coin, Dobson Bar and Grill and Dobson Snowplowing.

He enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing and watching TV as a player-coach for the Packers, Brewers and Badgers.  He was the only person we knew who loved to plow snow.

He was active in community affairs and was a member of the American Legion Post #209 of Orfordville for over 64 years, the Elk River Pioneer Snowmobile Club, a past president of the Whitetails Unlimited Chapter and a former Tavern Host Member of Wisconsin.

He was married to Marian Cary in 1945.  They had three children, John Jr. (Linda) of Phillips, Janet (Dr. John) Meyer of Whitewater and James (Janine) of Phillips.  They later divorced.  He married Marlys Best Sept. 2, 1981.

He is survived by his wife, Marlys; by his three children; by one step-daughter, Darcy (Brian) Smith of Brodhead; by his grandchildren, Candi (Dennis) Bogacz of Pulaski, Amber Meyer of Whitewater, Jeremy Meyer of Santa Fe, NM, Jacob Dobson of Phillips, Haily (Joe) Bending of Phillips and heather (Todd) Higginbothen of Footville; by great-grandchildren, Taylor and Brock Bogacz of Pulaski, Ella and Penelope Meyer of Santa Fe, Elsie Breeze Bending of Phillips and Braelynn Hauger of Footville; by two brothers, James (Betty) of Black River Falls and William (Ruby) of Waunakee; and by one sister, Frieda (Don) Kislinger of Jalisco, Mexico.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by three brothers, Harold, Gerald, and Glen; by one sister, Vi Halligan; and by his special pet dog, Katt.

A Memorial Service was held Thursday, April 8, at the Heindl Funeral home, Phillips, with Bonnie Moquin presiding.  Military honors were accorded by the Frank and Michael Baran VFW Post #5778 and the Lane-Kreiling American Post #122, both of Phillips.

The Heindl Funeral Home, Phillips, assisted the family with arrangements.