Robert 'Bob' Kultgen

Robert ‘Bob’ Lee Kultgen, age 70, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, February 13, 2022, at the Marshfield Medical Center-Weston.  Bob was born on September 6, 1951, to the late Edward and Amanda (Simon) Kultgen in Waukesha, WI, and was the youngest of his 3 siblings.  He attended and graduated from Port Washington High School with the class of 1969.  Bob bravely and proudly enlisted in the United States Army on June 26, 1970, and was honorably discharged on January 10, 1972.  He served in Korea on the DMZ.  Bob continued to serve his country in the Army Reserves until 1976.  He then met the love of his life, Cherie Heath, and the two lovingly exchanged marriage vows in Merrill on March 4, 1978.  She survives.

Bob worked at the Tomahawk Paper Mill for over 30 years, the majority of that he was a machine operator. He was also a beef farmer and spent many years farming with his uncle, Bill Schaupp.  Bob loved to travel, especially out West and to Arizona.  He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed being outdoors hunting deer or bear or going fishing for the day.  Bob also enjoyed his trips to the casino, and always had his Westerns on.  He enjoyed having pets and animals around and had some favorites over the years.  Bob was fortunate enough to have a kidney transplant in 2008, which prolonged his quality of life.  He was a hard-working man, that was dedicated to his family and would help where needed.  Bob was a member of St. Stephen’s United Church of Christ in Merrill.  He has left memories in the hearts and minds of his loved ones.

Bob will be sadly missed by his wife: Cherie Kultgen of Merrill, son: Aaron (fiancé Brook, with her children: Gracie and Tanner) Kultgen of Merrill, daughter: Shelly (Tony) Bruno of Blaine, MN, 3 grandchildren: Simon, Willow and Laney, brother: Larry (Barb) Kultgen of Cedar Grove, WI, sister: Linda Marciniak of Cedarburg, WI, along with many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law: Duane and Ruth Heath, brothers-in-law: Russ Marciniak and Greg Heath and sister-in-law: Pat Woller.

In lieu of flowers, family requests that donations in Bob’s name be made to either the Never Forgotten Honor Flight or the Lincoln County Humane Society.

Bob’s family would like to thank the Prairie River Davita dialysis clinic in Merrill for their support, care and concern for Bob and his family, as well as the Marshfield Medical Center-Weston for their kindness and efforts in Bob’s last days.

A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, from 11am until 2pm at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, with military honors being performed at the funeral home at 2pm.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.