Obit: Gulcynski, Robert Leo (1930 - 2011)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Gulcynski, Benzschawel, Lewien, Plachetka, Samplawski, Person, Schultz, Soderberg, Mathison

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) November 23, 2011

Gulcynski, Robert Leo (20 February 1930 - 19 November 2011)

Robert Leo Gulcynski, 81, of Thorp, passed away in his home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, November 19, 2011. Robert was born on February 20, 1930, in a log cabin with a tin roof in Junction to Vincent and Frances Gulcynski.  They moved to a dairy farm in the Town of Reseburg in 1935 in the midst of drought and the great Depression.

He married Arnoldine Ann Benzschawel in 1953 and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage, farming together, and raising their seven children. Robert was a progressive farmer and always at the forefront of change in agriculture.

He farmed until 1980 when he decided, at the age of 50, to change careers and joined first Soderberg and then Mathison Realty. After working for twenty years, he retired to care for his wife Arnoldine until her passing in 2007.

Robert enjoyed a full life of family and friends.  He enjoyed traveling, family picnics, skiing, dancing, bicycling and spending time at the log cabin that he and his family built.  He was a dedicated, faithful, loving, compassionate husband, father, and grandfather, and a beloved friend to many.

He was known for his hospitality and genuine kindness, always caring for and visiting friends in need. He was a friend and counselor to many. Bob’s door was always open and many a friend and family enjoyed their stay at "Bob’s Bed and Breakfast."

After the loss of his beloved wife Arnoldine, Robert found a deep and lasting friendship with Beverly Schultz, who has been an intimate part of his and his family’s life.

He touched the lives of the community through his volunteer work and commitment with many groups and organizations. He belonged to the Thorp Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus Queen of Peace Council #4634, the Farm Bureau Board of Directors Farm Coop, and the Thorp Historical Society and was also a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church.

Robert is survived by seven children: Mike (Monica) Gulcynski, of Stanley, WI, Jim (Cathlyn) Gulcynski of Thorp, WI, Bruce (Rose) Gulcynski of Thorp, WI, Doug (Judy) Gulcynski of Thorp, WI, Dan (Akiko) Gulcynski of Makinohara, Japan, Mary (David) Lewien of Ellsworth, WI, and Kathy (Mike) Plachetka of Rice Lake, WI; 15 grandchildren: Tim Gulcynski, Elijah, Megan and Autumn Lewien, Jeremy (Lisa), Cassie and Ross Gulcynski, Annie, Emily and Mae Plachetka, Shayla (Nathan) Samplawski and Sam Gulcynski, Karin and Maya Gulcynski, and Maria Gulcynski; and three great-grandchildren Anthony Person, and Abigail and Isabelle Gulcynski.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Arnoldine Gulcynski; and grandson, Paul Jacob Gulcynski.  He will be deeply missed by family and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 29^th, from 4-8 p.m. at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig’s Catholic Church in Thorp and on Wednesday, November 30^th, from 9-10:30 a.m. before the service.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 30^th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church with interment following in St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery.