Obit: Gumz, Robert C. “Bob” (1938 –2021)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Gumz, Riske, Zondlo, Plier

Source: Tribune-Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 06 Oct 2021

Gumz, Robert C. “Bob” (11 Jan 1938 – 3 Oct 2021)

Robert “Bob” Charles Gumz, age 83, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, at his home in rural Dorchester surrounded by his family.

He was born on Jan. 11, 1938, at the Medford Hospital to Henry and Elizabeth (Riske) Gumz. Bob attended Bruckerville School, a one-room grade school in the Town of Holton and St. Peter’s Lutheran School in Dorchester. He graduated from Dorchester High School in 1956. After graduation, Bob was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard and worked at Evinrude Outboard Motors in Milwaukee. In his early years, Bob worked as a cheesemaker at various locations, the last being Cooper Cheese in Westboro. It was while in Westboro, he was introduced to his future bride at Zondlo’s Bar in Rib Lake. On August 19, 1967, Bob married Mary Rose Zondlo. Together, they started Bob’s Dairy Supply in 1971 and operated the business until 2000.

Bob was a humble and hardworking entrepreneur who made lifelong relationships with many local farmers and employees installing pipelines and parlors, repairing dairy equipment and making service calls at all hours. Bob was an avid bowler for many years who enjoyed his Tuesday bowling nights with friends. Together, Bob and Mary Rose raised two children and hosted three foreign exchange students. Bob enjoyed spending time with family, playing golf, cultivating his garden, playing sheepshead and attending weekly Mass with Mary Rose. They were life-long members of St. Louis Catholic Church in Dorchester.

He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, George and Victoria Zondlo; brother-in-law, George Zondlo; and nephew, Teddy Zondlo. Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Mary Rose; son, Jeff (Vianney) Gumz; daughter, Jennifer Plier; and three grandchildren: Jay Gumz, Anna Plier and Santiago Gumz; brothers: Kenneth (Dorene) Gumz and Richard (Janice) Gumz; brothers-in-law, Joseph (Barbara) Zondlo, Jim (Delores) Zondlo, John (JoAnn) Zondlo, Jerry (Jean) Zondlo, Jeff (Candy) Zondlo, Eugene Zondlo and Dennis (Debbie) Zondlo; sister-in-law, Kris Zondlo; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grand-nephews.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, at Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford, with the Vigil for the Deceased at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Abbotsford on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. The Rite of Committal and burial will be at the Dorchester Memorial Cemetery (South) following the Mass. Family and friends unable to attend in person can watch the vigil and service live on the Maurina Schilling Funeral Home Facebook page or after the service anytime on Facebook or the website.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Hope Hospice in Medford or House of Mercy in Loyal on his behalf. The family of the deceased wishes to sincerely thank Hope Hospice for the wonderful care and support given.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.