Robert “Bob” Kenneth Kreutzian, 88, long-term resident of Luck, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023, at Christian Community Home in Osceola, Wisconsin, after suffering a stroke.
Bob was born on a dairy farm in Bone Lake, Wisconsin, to Thomas and Sophie Kreutzian. He grew up with a great appreciation for nature and living things. Experiences with farm life, his four brothers and one sister, family, friends, classmates at Lafollette School, and his pet goat, Jack, became stories that he greatly enjoyed sharing throughout his life. He was a successful high school athlete, a lifelong learner with curiosity about many things and a loving son, brother and friend.
After a two-year stint in the Army, he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, LaDonis Thompson. Bob and Doni were married and faithfully worshiped at Luck Lutheran Church throughout their life. They had four children, Sherri, Robin, Kelly, and Tom, who all consider themselves very lucky to be their children. Bob graduated from Macalester College in St. Paul with a degree in teaching. He was employed as a sales representative for Pfizer, Smith-Kline and Durex, owned a small engine repair/snowmobile shop for a few years, and was a science teacher in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. His former students report that his classes, especially his conservation class, were popular and he was a teacher who made a difference. He loved football, was a loyal Minnesota Vikings fan and coached high school football for a few years.
Bob treasured his family and the people he loved. He made them his top priority. He enthusiastically supported his wife and children in pursuing their interests in all areas. He was an avid Luck Cardinals fan and accumulated countless hours sitting in the bleachers cheering for his children and grandchildren's teams. He was a devoted husband who took great pride in his wife Doni's many talents. Above all, Bob was a teacher of life and nurturer who raised his flowers, gardens, lawn and, most of all, his family with patient loving care and attention. In 2003, Bob and Doni fulfilled a lifelong dream by helping their children build a family cabin on Pine Lake in Frederic, Wisconsin. The family cabin is their legacy, intended to serve as a place for family to gather for generations. He was considered an expert in all things by his family with the expression "If you don't know, ask Grandpa" being a frequent comment. He enjoyed explaining wildlife facts, tidbits and stories while going for a "putt" on the family pontoon. He enjoyed ice-fishing with his father-in-law and went on many Canadian "catching" trips with his son, sons-in-law and grandsons. Bob was actively involved at the Luck Senior Center where he enjoyed having coffee and visiting with friends. He took great pride in keeping his property in immaculate shape. He was handy and resourceful and could come up with a fix for any household problem. He believed in staying busy and completing at least one job every day. He enjoyed sharing his opinions and coaching others on the best way to do things. His motto was "All you can do, is do your best" in all things.
Bob enjoyed the friendship of Cynthia Durusha after the death of his wife in 2004. Several years later, he had the great good fortune to find a very special friend and companion, Sue Michaelson. Sue had the special talent of making Bob happy no matter the circumstances. He always greeted her with a big smile and lots of charm. Sue and Bob enjoyed each other's company no matter what the activity but especially enjoyed snuggling on the couch, escaping winter's cold with traveling and going out "for a bite to eat."
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Sophie Kreutzian; parents-in-law, Lloyd and Agnes Thompson; grandson, Tyler Hole; and beloved wife, LaDonis Kreutzian.
Bob is survived by his brother, Bruce (Nancy) Kreutzian of Cannon Falls, Minnesota; special friend, Sue Michaelson of Milltown, Wisconsin; children, Sherri (John) Hole of Owatonna, Minnesota, Robin (Dave) Lindvall of Luck, Kelly (Ron) Steen of Luck, and Tom (Shari) Kreutzian of New Prague, Minnesota; grandchildren, Brian (Rachel) Hole, Rob (Holly) Hole, Lance Lindvall, Roger Steen, Avery Steen, Parker Steen, Lexi Kreutzian (fiance Devin Fritz) and Jack Kreutzian; and great-grandchildren, David, Rylan, Terran, Tyler and Maizy Hole.
Bob's life and faith will be celebrated at Luck Lutheran Church on Friday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. with visitation from 9-11 a.m. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service.
