Robert (Bob) Wick, a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran of the 11th Airborne Infantry Division, woodsman, and lover of all things wild, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

Born on March 7, 1931 in DeForest, Wisconsin, Bob was the first-born child of Nels and Margaret Wick. His birth was followed by four other siblings, a sister and three brothers. Soon after moving his family to the Wisconsin Dells, Bob's father died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 41. Bob was only 16 at the time and began working immediately to help his mother support his four younger siblings, combining work and study until he graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School in 1949. Upon graduation Bob enlisted in the Army. He was trained as a paratrooper in 11th Airborne Division, 511th Airborne Infantry Regiment (AIR) and was honorably discharged in 1954 with the rank of Sergeant (Technical).

While still in high school, and before entering the service, Bob became infatuated with a lovely classmate—and an exceptionally talented baton twirler—named Dorothy "Dot" Weber. They married in 1953 upon Bob's discharge from the Army. Bob then spent much of the next 70 years earning a reputation as a cornerstone of the community. He worked for Zinke's as Meat Manager for over 40 years, providing service to local customers, farmers and deer hunters, and getting to know virtually everyone in Wisconsin Dells. He served on the Wisconsin Dells Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue squad for 15 years, including two years as the Assistant Fire Chief. He was also a member of the American Legion.

Bob and his wife grew fir trees and in 2002 a 50-foot tall balsam pine from their farm was selected to grace the interior of the Wisconsin State Capitol building over the holiday season. At the tree-lighting ceremony Bob and Dorothy were presented with a commendation of thanks from then-governor Scott McCallum. Bob's love of hunting and the outdoors was legendary. He was renowned as one of the Midwest's top hunting dog trainers. He was also a bear guide and earned a national reputation for his expertise in tracking down bear in Wisconsin's northern counties. In 2019, at 88 years of age, Bob went on his last black bear hunt. Bob was a loyal fan of the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and Bucks, and he remained steadfast in his support of these teams through seasons of success or disappointment.

Bob and his wife Dorothy raised a family of six; their children include Penny (Tom) Diamante, Robin (John) Lehnert, Debbie (Fran) Sweeney, Olaf (Therese) Wick, Eric and Robert Jr. (Connie). The Wick-family offspring include six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition to his children, Bob is survived by his wife. He was preceded in death by his sister, Janet (Gary) Hall; brothers, Dennis (Barb) Wick, Ronald Wick and Donald Wick and his parents, Nels and Margaret Wick.

The family would like to thank the SSM Health – Dells Clinic staff and the SSM Hospice Team for their wonderful compassionate care and expertise.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Kilbourn Fire Department at 712 Oak Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the United Presbyterian Church (730 Cedar Street, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965) on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.