Obit: Vesel, Robert J. "Bob" (1928 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Vesel, Sowieja, Podrovitz, Standiford, Thompson, Brown, Schuette

Source: Tribune/Record/Gleaner (Abbotsford, WI) 26 Feb 2010

Vesel, Robert J. "Bob" (25 AUG 1928 – 18 FEB 2020)

Robert J. “Bob” Vesel, 91, Greenwood, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at Wells Nature View in Marshfield. Funeral services were held at 11:30 a.m., on Monday, Feb. 24, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenwood. Rev. Leo Johnson officiated, and burial followed in the parish cemetery. Pallbearers were Ben Vesel, Tom Sowieja, Dave Sowieja, Duane Podrovitz, Shawn Standiford and Jimmy Thompson. Military rites were conducted by the Wallis-Hinker-Brux American Legion Post #238.

Robert James Vesel was born on Aug. 25, 1928, in Greenwood, to John F. and Margaret I. (nee Schuette) Vesel. Bob was raised and received his education in Greenwood, graduating from Greenwood High School in 1946. After high school he worked at People’s Market in Greenwood until entering the U.S. Army on Nov. 29, 1950, and he served in Germany until his honorable discharge on Oct. 31, 1952. Bob returned to Greenwood and began working for Grassland Butter, where he remained until 1976. In 1976, he went to work for Clark Electric and finished his working career there, retiring in 1991. On Aug. 19, 1953, Bob married the love of his life, E. Vivian Vesel, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was an active member. He sang in the choir, served on the parish council, and was active in the Holy Name Society. Bob also served as a volunteer fireman for the city of Greenwood, was a member of the Greenwood American Legion Post #238, and traveled to Washington D.C. on the Never Forgotten Honor Flight in 2016. In his spare time Bob had many interests, but especially loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved fishing, hunting, spending time at the cottage on Lake Holcombe, and attending sporting events, especially those of his sons and grandchildren. He played softball for more than 40 years, bowled for nearly 70 years, and made an annual fishing trip to Lake Superior with his boys for almost 50 years. For more than 50 years on fall Friday nights you would see Bob working the chains at the high school home football games. After every game he would sprint across the field and up the hill on his way home.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 66 years, E. Vivian Vesel of Spencer; his four sons: Mike (Julie) Vesel of Weston, Gerald Vesel of Willard, Randy (Sheila) Vesel of Greenwood, and Ken (Nicole) Vesel of Hayward; six grandchildren: Megan, Melissa, Ben, Sara, and Danielle Vesel, and Jimmy (Brittany) Thompson; two great-grandchildren: Grayden and Harper Thompson; one sister-in-law: Delores Vesel of Sterling, Ill.; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, David Vesel; four brothers: John, Bernie, Raymond and Charles Vesel; and two sisters: Margaret Brown and Josie Sowieja.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given in Bob’s name to the Greenwood American Legion or St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

The family extends its sincere thanks to all the staff of Wells Nature View and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate and loving care for Bob during his last days.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com. 

Cuddie Funeral Home, Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.