Bob Klessig "Bob K.", of Antigo, died Sunday, June 24, 2018, at his home under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 80 years old. He was born on April 16, 1938, in Antigo, a son of the late Harold and Olga (Knolinski) Klessig. He married Margaret (Vandehey) Stolzman on August 2, 1996.
Bob graduated from Pius XI Catholic High School, Milwaukee in 1956 and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
He served in the United States Marines Corps from 1957 to 1961.
Bob was a Certified Insurance Counselor beginning his career in Milwaukee in 1965 for Allstate Insurance. He returned to Antigo in 1968 and became Vice President of Cavers Klessig Insurance until 1977 when it became McCormick Klessig Insurance Company. In 1984 he became President of the company and served in that role until 2016.
He was a member of the Antigo Jaycees, the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks Lodge 662, Antigo, the Antigo Kiwanis Club and the Timberwolves Detachment of the Marine Corps League.
Mr. Klessig served on the board of directors for Antigo Cheese and the Independent Insurance Agents of Wisconsin.
Bob had a love for hotrods and enjoyed being involved in many car clubs including, the Minnesota Street Rod Association, Badgerland Classics and Customs, Corvettes of the Bay, National Street Rod Association, H.A.M.B., Old Bolts, Cheaters and many others.
In addition to his wife, survivors include three sons, Brian (Shari) Klessig of Madison, Richard (Bonnie) Stolzman of Las Vegas and Robert (Dawn) Stolzman of Rhinelander; a daughter, Cynthia (Steve) Colombo of Madison; nine grandchildren, Dallas (Tracy) Martinson of Antigo, Keara Stolzman of Antigo, Jordan (Tiffany) Stolzman of Bryant, Barrett Stolzman of Las Vegas, Jayme Brooks, Caleb (Katie) Stolzman, Kayla Brooks, Mackenzie Stolzman and Ryan Mullen all of Rhinelander; seven great-grandchildren, Brehkan Wiroll, Austin Martinson, Ella Rinka, Brilynn Stolzman, Zayden Martinson, Teagan Brooks and Reagan Stolzman; a brother-in-law, John Vandehey of Antigo; and a sister-in-law, Katherine (Chris) Vandehey-Maule of Mosinee.
He was preceded in death by his brother, James Klessig; infant sister, Mary; a sister-in-law, Mary Vandehey, and grandson, Travis Busse.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Bradley Funeral Home. Antigo Veterans will conduct military honors at the funeral home following the service.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
An Elks Lodge of Sorrow Service will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials in Bob's name may be directed to Make-a-Wish Wisconsin, 11020 West Plank Court, Suite 200 Wauwatosa, Wi 53226.
Services
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Service
Antigo, WI 54409
8 people have supported the family by purchasing them flowers or gifts from the Healing Registry.
Mugwet- Sorry to hear about Boobie. I wont be able to make it but I want to remember Bob like he was. Dickie
I never met Bob face to face but had many conversations with him over the years,he was a good man and I always got far more from him that I gave.
Bob and I shared the same birthday and he always sent me a private message that only he could dream up,always humorous.
He was a staple on the hamb and his love for his family was always obvious.
God bless the Klessig family,God Speed Bob K.
I am heartbroken bob has left us but will never forget him. I met Bob somewhere in the early 2000's, probably at Bonneville or HAMB drags, we have crossed paths alot ever since. He had a way of lighting up the day no matter what was going on. I got to spend some time with him at BTT50's last year and again at Cheaterama and cherish every minute. When I am having an off day or need to get perspective I think to myself "What would Bob K do?" if I follow those instructions I will end up with at least two new friends before the day is out and feel good about the world. Godspeed Bob, you will be missed.
So sorry for your loss Maggie and the rest of the family. I will never forget you and Bob driving out of your way on your way to Austin to come by and see the office. Just a small demonstration of Bob's character....happily going out of his way for others and always making your feel like you were his best friend. We have prayed for you all during his battle and continue to do so now during your time of sadness.
We were best friends and Brothers for over 40 years. You always lived your life doing what you loved. Our time in the shop building Hot Rods were some of the best times of my life. Thanks for all the good times and for always being there through the bad times. I miss you. Stevie (Son)
Maggie this guy will be missed by so many, Ill never forget our Texas trip when you and Bobbi let our girls ride in the convertible with you ( even when they put mustaches on) Loved him like a dad and grandpa. Til we meet again dear friend. Hugs to you Maggie ,wish we could be there. Scott ,Vicki ,Taylor and Erin Wiltse.
Maggie and family how sorry to hear of cousin Bobs passing and knowing what all of you are going through really stinks,however I want to share and thank you for your surprised call and visit back in 2015 in Maryland what a wonderful memory and gift that was, especially Bob and John in that car. sending all our thoughts,prayers and love.
Jeanne Schaper and sons
PASSING.
THONOING BACK TO YOUR SURPRISED CALL AND
To Maggie and all the family, I'm just one more hot rod friend. I always looked forward to seeing Bob. You have my sympathies for your lose. May the satisfaction of a good life outweigh the sadness of his passing, Bill Shapland, aka WFOGUY
All of us Kontinentals loved Bob. He was such a great supporter along with you Maggie of all things Round Up. Bob will always be an honorary Kontinental and we will remember him forever. Please know how sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rest in Piece Bob, you are a true hero and someone I have looked up too from the minute we met. I love you man.
You have my deepest condolences in your loss of Bob. He seemed like such a good friend to so many people taking an interest in their lives and what was going on with them it was a gift he shared . His love for Cars and auto shows, and his desire to preserve things from the past and enjoy their beauty was obvious. Death is truly an enemy to all of us no matter how long we live it's never long enough. That is why the promise given to us by our loving Heavenly Father Jehovah is so comforting. The Bible in Revelation chapter 21 verses 3 and 4 may bring you much comfort.
Rest in Peace, Bob K. You will be missed...
I've known Bob for 30 years but knew him as BobK on the Hotrod message board known as the HAMB for 18 of those years... Always a pleasure seeing him and Maggie at car shows throughout the U.S.A... always a smile and quick witted comments. Whenever I was with him he'd bump into litteraly thousands of people who considered him their Best Friend! And he reciprocated the same way with a hug and a memory of their names as well as their spouses and children's names. This led me to believe that he Really was Santa Clause 🎅 ! Bob lived a full and Rich life full of thousands... and I do mean thousands of loving and caring friends. My deepest and sincere condolences to Maggie and the rest of the family. God Speed Bob... We'll see you at the end of the road... Mark "wingnutz" McCabe & Mary Enderlin
dear family members I am a retired allstate agent and I worked with bob at the sears store on 14th and forest home in Milwaukee. I have many happy memories of bob as a friend as an allstate agent. may god comfort you in your loss but heaven's
gain. retired allstate agent, dick miller
Condolences to the Klessig Family and friends on the passing of Bob. May he rest in peace.
Regards,
Hamber Stogy
This is a man that will be truly missed by many..good-by old friend..see you in Kahuna paradise--Born
Maggie, we are thinking of you... and love you very much. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call or write.
Bob we will miss you. I'm so sorry for your loss, Bob was an amazing guy that made everyone feel special.
Maggie and Family so sorry for your loss! Remember he is at peace and is free of pain. You will miss him but will always have him in your hearts.
Prayers for all!
Kathy , Bridget, and Ziva Duffy
In my mind I can hear BobK calling out my name across a parking lot at the Custom Car Revival. That was the last time I saw Bob. 3 years ago. I got to spend 4 glorious days in Indianapolis talking about cars, life and friendship. I will always treasure that time together. God bless his memory.
Godspeed my friend....very thankful to have met you.....Littleman
Bob, you will be missed. Many, many car shows all over the country that we shared together. You are truly a character in the cast of characters in our lives. Love to Maggie. - Vicki & Ken Fissel
Bob, you will be missed by your professional associates. You headed up a profitable agency, hired wonderful staff and served your clients with professionalism and integrity. My fondest memory is coming in for my agency visit during the Christmas season and seeing you coming out of your office with your Santa hat on and a big smile. It made my day. May you rest in peace and may your family, friends and co-workers find peace with your memories.
Sue Gearin, Underwriter, Mutual of Wausau Insurance Corporation
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