ROBERT KOMMERS |
Robert Kommers, business leader, dies June 5, 2010 Robert Kommers, long-time businessman and community leader, died Thursday, June 4, 2010 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 85 years old.
Mr. Kommers was born on May 7, 1925 in Antigo, a son of the late Al and Anna (Krier) Kommers.
He was a graduate of St. John Grade School, Antigo High School, and attended St. Norbert College in Green Bay.
He was inducted into the Army at Camp Grant, Ill. in 1943 and later served in the European Theater War in the 42nd Rainbow Division, in the 222nd Infantry Regiment. His unit was the second to enter Dachau Concentration Camp on April 29, 1945 and was later awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for Extraordinary Heroism in Military Operations in 1945.
Earlier this year, on April 27, he experienced the thrill of a National Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. to view the World War II Memorial.
Mr. Kommers married Jane LuDene Schilleman on Sept. 22, 1951 at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, Antigo. She survives.
In 1948, Mr. Kommers joined his father Al at Kommers Hardware, becoming owner in 1969. He operated the business in Peaceful Valley with the loyal support of his son Bruce, his wife LuDene and Don Simon. He retired in December, 1989.
Recognized as one of Antigo's all time bowling greats, on Feb. 14, 1961, Mr. Kommers recorded Antigo's first 300 game and the highest series in the City of Antigo's bowling history. He totaled 794, adding lines of 267 and 227 to his 300. He held the record for 29 years.
He was an accomplished golfer and a member of Antigo Bass Lake Country Club for 60 years. He held many positions at the club, including president, and won many club championships. His passion for golf and love of the game were immeasurable.
Mr. Kommers was a 63-year member of Elks Lodge #622 and a 60-year member of the Antigo/Langlade County Chamber of Commerce.
He was the co-founder (with friend Lee Hunter) of Antigo's Customer Appreciation Days "Down in Peaceful Valley." He was a former director and president of the Wisconsin Retail Hardware Association.
He was a member of St. John Catholic Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Bruce (Betsy) Kommers, Janelle (Buzz) Markgraf, all of Antigo; Barbara (Tod) Novinska, Andover, Minn.; five grandchildren, Courtney (Mark) Burger, Seth Markgraf, Reidun Schreiner, Blake and Jack Novinska, and one great-grandchild, Ila Jo Burger.
He is further survived by his sister, Jane Lynett, two sisters-in-law, Joyce Briggs and Joanie (DeWayne) Cahak, a brother-in-law,, James (Mardy) Schilleman and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Anna Kommers, a brother, William, and sisters, Nancy Beattie and Helen Gorman Radcliff.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Rev. Charles Hoffmann officiating. Military honors will follow the service at the church.
Visitation will be Sunday, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home with a parish wake service at 4 p.m. Elks Lodge of Sorrow will be held at 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established in Mr. Kommers' name to the Langlade County Historical Society, All Saints Catholic School and Langlade Hospital's Community Health Foundation.
Friends may visit online at www.strasserrollerfh.com.
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