Robert Kommers

Robert Kommers, long time businessman and community leader, passed away 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, WI.He was inducted into the Army at Camp Grant, Illinois in 1943 and later served in the European Theatre 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. On April 27, 2010 he experienced the thrill of a National Honor Flight trip to Washington DC to view the World War II Memorial. Mr. Kommers married Jane LuDene Schilleman on September 22, 1951, at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, Antigo. She survives.In 1948, Bob 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. One of Antigo's all time bowling greats, on February 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 Elk's Lodge #622, 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 LuDene, he is survived by three children, Bruce (Betsy) Kommers, Janelle (Buzz) Markgraf, Antigo; Barbara (Tod) Novinska, Andover, Minnesota; 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, and a brother-in-law James (Mardy) Schilleman, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Anna Kommers, Brother William, and sisters Nancy Beattie and Helen Gorman Radcliff.