Bob, as he was commonly known as, was born in Appleton, on June 19, 1927, the son of Walter and Eleanor (Joy) Gmeiner. Bob spent his working years as an advertising executive for the Prange and Prange Way stores before retiring in 1992. After retiring, he and his wife, Joan moved to Lakewood permanently, after owning a vacation home there for 41 years. Bob was a very caring person who served others.
He served for 30 plus years as a judge for the Lakewood Mardi Gras Parade. His faith being very important to him, he also served as a Eucharistic Minister for St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church before his illness prevented him from doing so anymore. While in Appleton, he was a member of the Elk's Lodge 337, of which he was an Exalted Ruler and had also won the Elk's State Chaplain Competition. When he could be outdoors, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed baking, which talent he picked up while working for a bakery during his college days in Madison. Most important to him, however, was his family, and he will be sadly missed by them and all who knew him.
Bob is survived by wife Joan, Lakewood; three sons John (Donna) Gmeiner, Townsend; Greg (Julie) Gmeiner, Appleton; David Gmeiner, Appleton; three grandchildren, Bob and Ben Gmeiner and Terri (Dennis) Borchardt; two great-granddaughters, Abby and Seger Borchardt; and numerous other relatives and friends.
Friends called upon the family from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 19, at the St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Lakewood. At 11 a.m., Father Stanley Browne led the Mass of Christian Burial. Following services, Bob was taken in formal procession to his final place of rest behind the church in the St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Cemetery.
Suminski Funeral Home of Wabeno handled arrangements. Bob was grateful for all the wonderful friends he made over his lifetime, the "Friday Night Club", and Mary Yingling and Tom Rapson for the many visits. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jules Blonk, St. Vincent Hospital of Green Bay, De. Kenneth Kubsch of St. Mary's Prevea Clinic and Hospital, and also to the LeRoyer Hospice of Antigo for the wonderful care and attention in making Bob as comfortable as they could in his last days. Again, a very sincere thank you to everyone.