Robert Donald Kolinski

Robert “Bob” Donald Kolinski, 74, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

Bob was born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin to Maurice and Lucille (Falkavage) Kolinski on October 29, 1948.

Bob grew up in Stevens Point, spending his childhood helping out at his dad’s pop shop (Quality Beverage), playing sports and fishing. He graduated from Pacelli High School in 1967 and attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, graduating in 1971 with a degree in business. He spent time living in Sault Saint Marie, Michigan, before settling back in Wisconsin, eventually moving to Markesan, and then Oshkosh in his later years. He also attended UW-Oshkosh after moving back to Wisconsin, obtaining another bachelor’s degree in 1973, this time in social work.

Bob was married to Darlene Guenther on July 15, 1972, and together they had two children, Mathew and Nathan.

Bob worked as a social worker, initially through Green Lake County, then transitioning to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, first through Dodge Correctional and then eventually retiring from Oshkosh Correctional in 2015. He was proud of his work with hostage negotiations and as a critical incident debriefer.

He kept active through kayaking, biking, travel, and loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He attended sporting events and other activities for his grandchildren, never turning down an opportunity to spend time with them, even attending family vacations. He was always in good spirits, positive, and always wanted to be involved with everything going on (and hear about what everyone else had going on!). Bob spent time volunteering at Loaves & Fishes, Oshkosh Warming Shelter, Crisis Counselor for Affinity ER and Stephen Ministries. He especially treasured his time spent at Lake Superior.

Bob is survived by his two sons and grandchildren: Mathew (Sarah Durst) and their children Noah, Braden and Zoe, all of Waupaca; and Nathan (Cheryl) Kolinski and their children Michael, Noralottie and Molly, all of Chilton; former spouse and mother of his children, Darlene Kolinski; and brothers, John (Charlotte) and Thomas (Bonnie) Kolinski, as well as several nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his siblings, Gerald Kolinski, and Maureen (Robert) Roshak. Per Bob’s wishes, a cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Life for Bob will be held at Konrad-Behlman Funeral Home (100 Lake Pointe Drive) on Saturday, August 5th, 2023, at 11:30AM. A time of visitation will be held from 9:30AM until the time of service.