Robert E. Owaski

Robert Edward Owaski, age 86, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024, following a rapid and difficult journey with Parkinson’s disease. Bob grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, where he enjoyed floating on chunks of ice at Sherman Park. At the age of 17, Bob entered the Navy serving proudly on the Ticonderoga aircraft carrier. He learned deep sea diving, discovered his gift for carpentry, and put out fires on the carrier’s deck. It was during this time, on November 11, 1959, that he married Karen Gail Owaski (Travers). After leaving the Navy, Bob put his carpentry skills to work for a shipbuilder in Longview Washington. Bob moved his growing family (Karen, Judi, Janet, and Susan) to Manitowoc, WI in a daring adventure in a Rambler pulling a trailer. In Manitowoc, Bob raised his family, worked at Burger Boat Company as a finishing carpenter, was a union carpenter, and worked in construction building bridges and two nuclear plants. He was active in St. James Episcopal Church, enjoyed Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan, and attended his children’s many school events. 

In retirement Bob and Karen moved to Mountain WI forming many good memories and friends: ice fishing with Sonny, card playing and dominoes at the Senior Center, and blueberry picking with Jim. He enjoyed planning the first of many family reunions. Bob was a great prankster, friend, dad, and husband. We miss you. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Karen Owaski, his daughters Judi (Paul) Zabel, Janet Casperson, and Susan (Rusty) Elliott. His grandchildren: Amber, Jeff, Adam, Elizabeth, Leslie and Ryan. Great Grandchildren: Emma and Zeb, Siarah, and Eva, Valkyrie, Aislinn, and Tyler. Bob will be remembered by his sisters Dotty and Peggy, Brother-in-law Dennis, and his wife Nancy. Nephews and Nieces: Ferron, Larry and Doug, Wendy, Lori, Rodney, Patti, and Jodi, and many, many cousins.

Bob was always building something: a camper trailer, funny crafts, picture frames, and kitchen cabinetry for his oldest daughter. Please check out his handy work and share a story, which usually ends in a laugh, at a celebration of life luncheon in his honor at his daughter Judi’s home located at 2510 Second Ave. West, La Crosse, WI from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM on Saturday, October 5, 2024.