Robert "Bob" Stimac

Robert J. Stimac Sr., longtime restauranteur and key community supporter, died Friday, June 17, 2022 at the Oscar J. Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility in Iron Mountain, Mich. Mr. Stimac, who entered hospice care at the facility on May 20, was 84 years old. Born in LaGrange, Ill. on Nov. 25, 1937, he was a son of the late Joseph and Katherine Stimac. He attended Lyons Township Community College for two years prior to entering military service in 1956, following in the footsteps of his four brothers, Johnny, Mike, Joey, and Nick. Stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., he studied radio communications and learned the International Morse Code. He also found time to play on an Army baseball team, excelling as shortstop. Following military service, Mr. Stimac returned to LaGrange, where family members operated a series of liquor stores and bar/restaurants. He also purchased an office building at 28 East Jackson Street in Chicago’s Loop, which became famous as the headquarters of the “Chicago Seven” following protests at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Mr. Stimac and the former Carol Major were married on April 20, 1963. Together they raised seven children. She died in Antigo on May 21, 2005. In 2006, Bob met the former Karen Now and she became his partner for the remainder of his life. The couple married on Dec. 2, 2017. They enjoyed spending time at their Antigo home, with Karen in the flower gardens and Bob on the lawnmower. They also loved to travel, taking regular trips to Florida to visit relatives, including his sister-in-law, Alice, who Bob often called his “surrogate mother.” Bob’s affiliation with Antigo began in 1972 when he moved north from the Chicago area and purchased the former Jerry’s Village Inn, renaming it Stimac’s Village Inn. The southside supper club quickly became known for the quality of its food and service and the hospitality of its host, who could usually be found behind the bar. It drew a clientele from across the Northwoods. Bob made the transition to downtown in 1982, purchasing the former Club 77 and establishing bbJack’s. He brought along the casual food and atmosphere established at Stimac’s, along with the classic pizza recipe he had developed over the years. The clientele from Stimac’s joined Bob at the new location. Together, Bob, his staff and guests created a warm, welcoming and one-of-a-kind atmosphere. There was always someone to visit and a seat at the bar, regardless of how crowded the place might be. Lively conversation was guaranteed with Bob usually perched on his vintage stool snugged behind a corner of the bar. Countless friendships were made, dice shaken, stories told, and pizzas consumed, Although his old barstool has long been retired, Bob remained active in the business until recently, He was proud of how his family has expanded the bbJack’s name and reputation. There are now bbJack’s restaurants in Wausau, DeForest and Cottage Grove in addition to the Antigo flagship. All continue to serve the original bbJack’s pizza, which is also available in a frozen version at retail locations across the region. Throughout his time in Antigo, Bob was a key supporter of local clubs, organizations, and causes. He was among the original bidders at the 4-H and FFA Market Animal Sale held as part of the Langlade County Fair, regularly purchasing the highest quality livestock from the young exhibitors and urging others to do the same. Family members continue that tradition today. He was a member of the Antigo Elks Lodge and was honored as a Kentucky Colonel. Most of all, Bob was simply a fun person to be around. He loved sports, especially youth wrestling and baseball, and enjoyed his regular golf outings with his usual foursome of friends. He was an avid horse racing enthusiast, dating from his childhood in LaGrange, where he would attend events with his older brother Johnny. He owned harness horses while living in the Chicago area, campaigning several winners. He attended Thoroughbred racing at tracks ranging from Tampa Bay Downs in Florida to Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Ky., his favorite. Bob could usually be found scurrying from the betting terminals to the television monitors, often juggling tickets from races at two or three tracks at once. Locally, bbJack’s restaurant was the annual headquarters for Antigo’s original Kentucky Derby party, packed with men in bow ties and ladies in hats sipping mint juleps and cheering on the ponies on the televised races. Bob recently stressed his appreciation for the bbJack’s community. “I want people to know how grateful I am for all the years of support,” he said. In addition to his wife, Karen, Mr. Stimac is survived by his seven children, Bob Jr. (Kelly) of Antigo, Nancy Stimac (Carl Bula) of Antigo, William (Rebecca) of Antigo, Jenny (Mike) Easker of Antigo, Frank (Pam) of Wausau, Todd (Katie) of Sun Prairie, and Jess (Ashley) of Antigo; along with 18 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, Nick (Bonnie) of Hillside, Ill.; sister-in-law, Rosalie Stimac of Hillside; and many other relatives and close friends. In addition to his first wife, Carol, he was preceded in death by his sisters, brothers and their spouses, Johnny and Alice Stimac, Mary Visich, Mike Stimac, Ann McManigal, and Joey Stimac. A memorial service for Bob will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 5:00 PM at Strasser-Roller Funeral Home with Father Charles Hoffmann officiating. Visitation will take place at the funeral home, prior to the service, from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed towards the family for a memorial bench that will be established in Bob’s name. “I’m playing cards with Howie.”