Robert ‘Bob’ Kultgen

    Robert ‘Bob’ Lee Kultgen, age 70, of Merrill, passed away on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at the Marshfield Medical Center-Weston.
    Bob was born on Sept. 6, 1951, to the late Edward and Amanda (Simon) Kultgen in Waukesha, Wis., and was the youngest of his three 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 time as 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, Minn.; three grandchildren, Simon, Willow and Laney; brother Larry (Barb) Kultgen of Cedar Grove, Wis.; and sister Linda Marciniak of Cedarburg, Wis.; 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, the 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, Feb. 19, 2022, from 11a.m. until 2 p.m. at Waid Funeral Home in Merrill, with military honors being performed at the funeral home at 2 p.m.  
    Waid Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  
    Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.