Robert Guenther

Positive, encouraging, and selfless are words that encompass Robert. Family was always first in his life and he was a devoted and proud family man. Whether raising his children, caring for his wife, Joyce, when she was ill, or enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he gave of himself with undivided attention.

Robert was born October 30th 1924, in Rothschild, WI, the son of the late Albert and Emily (Stammer) Guenther. During World War II, Robert proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served in the Pacific Theater from 1942-1945; achieving the rank of Sergeant. After his discharge, he returned home and met the love of his life, Joyce Eschenbach. On August 6th 1949 they were united in marriage at First Presbyterian Church, Wausau. Together they shared 61 years, enjoying all life had to offer and raising their children, Stuart, Wendy, and Mary Jo.

Maintaining strong ties to the Wausau community that he called home his entire life was important to Robert. He was always busy, finding time for the American Legion, Kiwanis, and SCORE; and volunteering for Aspirus and St. Clare Hospitals. Robert's church family was very important to him and he always felt at home in church. He recently joined Covenant Community Presbyterian Church and was always finding ways to be involved and engaged.

Robert Warren Guenther died unexpectedly at his home, of natural causes, Friday, November 18th. He was 87 years old.

Survivors include his son, Stuart (Mary) Guenther, Marshfield; 2 daughters, Wendy (Greg) Fields, Golden Valley, MN, and Mary Jo (Jeff) O'Dell, Deephaven, MN; 7 grandchildren, Heather (Jeff) Gerbensky, Amber (Ryan) Wilderman, Steffanie (Ryan) Handke, Nikolas Fields, Nicole, Sydney and Ella O'Dell; 7 great-grandchildren, Alex, Max, Clair, Cassie, Kylie, Collin, and Ella. 2 brothers, Donald (Betty Jean) Guenther, Mesa, AZ, and David (Gladys) Guenther, Springfield, MO; and 3 sisters, Marianne (Don) Boneck, Goleta, CA, Beverly (Larry) Murphy, Apache Junction, AZ, and Faye (Gary) Liddle, Springfield, MO.

Along with his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce, in October 2010.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 26th, at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church, Schofield. The Reverend Sid Bouldin will officiate. Full military honors, provided American Legion Montgomery Plant Post #10, Wausau, will follow the service. Burial will be private at Restlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive guests beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service, Saturday, at the church.