Robert D. Melaski
Robert D. Melaski, age 92, of Rib Lake, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at his home under the care of his family and Hope Hospice. Robert was born on April 27, 1932, in Rib Lake, to the late Jacob and Rose (Wendziasz) Melaski. He attended Rib Lake grade and high school and served in the United States Army from1950to1953duringthe Korean War.
Bob worked in Milwaukee for a time and then owned and operated the Sinclair Service Station and Tire Shop in Rib Lake. He was married to Violet Schlais on June 14, 1958. Bob and Violet operated the Schlais Clothing Store for 15 years. He also drove for Bake Rite Baking Company and was a self-employed carpenter. Bob operated Sno-Shoe Ranch in Rib Lake and was involved in buying and transporting cattle and raising beef cattle and Holstein heifers and steers. He retired and enjoyed traveling in his RV. Bob then managed campgrounds for Gallatin Canyon Company in the Bighorn Mountains. He sold Christmas trees in Arizona, worked for the Forest Service of Wyoming, and later did GPS mapping for the Bureau of Land Management. Bob learned that versatility in work prevents boredom.
Bob was one-of-a kind and had an adventurous spirit. He and his wife’s travels were the highlight of their retirement. At age 92, Bob is now on his last adventure and has taken his final trip... no need for GPS this time, just the hand of Jesus to lead him to his Heavenly Father and his eternal home. Bob passed peacefully surrounded by his devoted family and faithful companion, Max.
He often worked two to three jobs at a time. He still found time to serve as an EMT, firefighter, village board member, and 4-H leader. He was always willing to lend a neighbor a hand, whether they needed to borrow farm equipment, rebuild a barn after a fire, or thaw frozen pipes. It would be hard to count all the young people he trained on the farm. “Uncle Bob” to many, he shared the satisfaction of a good day’s work
1932-2024
and his own brand of wisdom for life’s challenges. An innovator, master problem solver, and a product of the Great Depression, Bob could take bits and pieces of scraps from here and there to design whatever he needed on the farm. He tackled problems in life with the same grit and creativity, considering challenges as a way to grow.
A Korean War veteran, Bob treasured the memories of his trip on the “Never Forgotten Honor Flight” with his wife, Vi. Bob would always joke with Vi, “I know you outrank me, but don’t expect me to salute you”. However, when Taps were played at her grave site two years ago, he stood at attention and saluted her. There was always a great love and respect between Bob and Vi and he joins her now to be together forever. He will be missed by his family and friends, but the memories he leaves and the lessons he taught remain.
“Be true to your work, your word, and your friend” -Henry David Thoreau Survivors include his daughters, Mary (Bill) Niggemann, of Rib Lake, and Nancy (Wayne) Mann, of Medford; and his summertime son, Joel Schlais; Boppa’s eight grandchildren, Josh (Becky) Mann, Paula (Darin) Durst, Steve Mann, Jena (Steve) Zenner, Michael (Leah) Mann, Nicole (Issac) Olson, Lisa Niggemann, and Bill (Lindsay) Niggemann; and Boppa’s twelve great-grandchildren, Amelia, Ingrid, Liam, Livia, Shawna, Bryant, Danielle, Aubrey, Andi, Jep, Korbi, and Ezra.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Rose Melaski; his wife of 65 years, Violet Melaski; his three sisters, Marie Rittue, Emily Rogan, and Irene Modica; and his three brothers, Walter Melaski, John Melaski, and Edward Melaski.
Memorial Mass with Military Honors for Robert “Bob” Melaski will be held at Good Sheperd Catholic Church in Rib Lake on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. Rev. Julian Druffner will officiate. The family will receive friends for visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will take place following Mass at Lakeside Cemetery in Rib Lake. Following graveside services, there will be a sharing of memories luncheon at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory of Tomahawk is assisting the family.
Paid Obituary 159015
