Obit: Baneck, Robert H. (1928 – 2015)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Baneck, Geissler, Heiden, Janz, Brekke, Beaudoin

Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, WI) 27 May 2015

Baneck, Robert H. (10 MAY 1928 – 24 MAY 2015)

Robert H. Baneck, age 87 of Spencer, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at Wells Nature View in Marshfield while family was present at his bedside.

He was born May 10, 1928 in Watertown, Wisconsin, son of the late Bernhardt and Alice (Geissler) Baneck. Robert graduated from Johnson Creek High School in 1947 where he was recognized for playing championship 6-man football. He married the former Joyce Maria Heiden at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wisconsin on May 27, 1950. Robert was one of the first married men in Jefferson County to be drafted into the Korean War and was enlisted in the 931st Army Corps of Engineers. After his honorable discharge in 1953 he returned to Johnson Creek and was employed by the A. A. Behling Appliance Company. Robert was later employed by the Ladish Malting Company of Jefferson as a plumber for 34 years with Brewers & Maltsters Union #53.

His hobbies included hunting and fishing, spending time with his wife at their cabin on Spider Lake near Mercer, Wisconsin; where for over 40 years they shared many enjoyable times with family and friends. He liked to work in his shop; always busy designing and creating remarkable items, such as birdhouse kits for students, wood duck nests, loon platforms, totem poles, utility trailers and handy metal fabrications. He was a member of the Johnson Creek Volunteer Fire Department for 24 years. Robert helped established the Johnson Creek Conservation Club and served many years as a delegate for the Wisconsin Conservation Congress. For over 60 years he was a member of the American Legion Post 305. He was a long-time member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Johnson Creek and active in many community enhancement projects. Robert and Joyce moved to the Spencer area in 1994.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Joyce Baneck of Spencer; his children: Deborah (Dennis) Janz of Spencer and Steven Baneck of Wisconsin Rapids; four grandchildren: William Janz and Alison Janz, both of Marshfield, Bryan Baneck of Tioga, ND and Kevin Baneck of Wisconsin Rapids. Robert is further survived by a brother Ken (Marilyn) Baneck of Watertown and sisters-in-law, Janice (Lloyd) Brekke of Lakeland, FL, Arlene (Don) Beaudoin of Jefferson, WI along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation.

A memorial service will be held at 7:30PM on Friday May 29, 2015 at Life Tributes Funeral Home - Spencer. Pastor Peter Ruggles of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will officiate. Military honors conducted by American Legion Post 54-Marshfield will follow the service. A private committal ceremony will be held at a later date. Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday at the funeral home in Spencer from 6PM until time of services.

Assistance to the family provided by Life Tributes Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com  to share thoughts and condolences.