Robert Wells Van Buskirk, 91, of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on
Sept. 3, 2024. He was born to James Gregory and Velma Van Buskirk in Auburn, New York,
on May 21, 1933.
Bob was passionate about the outdoors, hunting, and gunsmithing. His greatest joy was
teaching his children and grandchildren to hunt. He was an expert sharpshooter in the
Marines, and worked for the Pisgah Forest Fish Hatchery in North Carolina in his early
adulthood. After earning an associate degree in gunsmithing in Trinidad, Colorado, he
spent several decades working as both a carpenter and a gunsmith in Wisconsin.
He enjoyed a wonderful life, and in retirement was able to hunt in the great Northwoods
right outside his cabin doorstep. Bird hunting was his true passion, and hunting alongside
him over the years were many fine dogs (with a special connection and love for golden
retrievers).
He was a voracious reader of world and U.S. history, as well as stories about bird hunting.
He was also known for his extraordinary appetite for sweets, especially pies.
Bob is survived by his three children, Doug Van Buskirk (Sue), of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, Cindy Wilkie
(Tim), of North Carolina, and Cathleen Van Buskirk (Andrew Bantham), of Colorado; his four
grandchildren, Justin, Jordyn, Clay, and Wrayanna; and his two brothers, Owen Van Buskirk
and Eric Van Buskirk. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gregory and Velma Van
Buskirk, of Aurora, New York.
He will be dearly missed by family, friends, and hunting buddies. He is in our hearts and
will forever be loved.
