Robert J. Kubiak

Robert (Bob) J. Kubiak of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, passed away on March 4, 2023. Born on September 3, 1924 to Edward R. and Catherine Kubiak, Bob was born and raised in Pulaski, Wisconsin, graduating high school there in 1942.

A member of what we acknowledge to be the “Greatest Generation,” Bob was accepted into the US Army Aviation Cadet Program and graduated as a pilot in 1944. Upon further training, he was assigned as a co-pilot on a B-24 bomber, and then on a new B-24 as part of a ten-man crew stationed in Grottaglie, Italy, where he remained until the conclusion of WWII.

As a co-pilot during the war, Bob completed 19 missions, bombing military targets across southern Europe. Having had the opportunity to fly with some of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, Bob gained a life-long friend with the late Tuskeegee Airman Ret. Lt. Col. Herbert “Gene” Carter and his wife Mildred.

Upon returning home (and being a dutiful son), Bob followed the encouragement of his mother and continued his education by enrolling at St. Norbert College for a year. Thereafter, he transferred to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, seemingly a preordained decision, as it was there where he met the love of his life, Dr. Mary Katherine (Katy) King.

Upon their respective graduations, they married on August 21, 1954 in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Bob was employed by Mercy Hospital for the next 32 years, both as Director of Pharmacy and Director of Purchasing. He also served at President of the Wisconsin Society of Hospital Pharmacists for one term.

A true renaissance man, Bob had numerous passions, including the one he shared with his beloved wife Katy—flying. Being the determined Irish woman she was, Katy not only took flying lessons—she excelled—and became an instrument-rated pilot alongside her husband. Their cherished Cessna Cardinal (N34959) became the special haven from which the two shared countless long-distance adventures across the United States, as well as through Canada, the Caribbean and Northern South America.

Bob’s second greatest passion, woodworking, demonstrated a meticulous craftsmanship and artistry. His most treasured project was a 26-foot cabin cruiser. He also created such meaningful works for family and friends as hope chests, cradles, birdhouses, cutting boards and trivets.

Bob is preceded in death by his amazing wife of 60 years, Katy Kubiak, and by his parents, Edward and Catherine Kubiak, brothers Edward Jr. and Orville, and his wife Betty, sister Arvilla, and her husband, Roman Chlebowski.

Bob is survived by his children: Katie Kubiak (Minn., MN); Mary (Mamo) Kubiak (Oshkosh, WI); Trish Schutz (Bethesda, MD); Dr. Carolyn Kubiak (Larry Gabriel) (Boca Raton, FL); Robert Kubiak (Lynn) (Aurora, CO); and four grandchildren: Jessica Touhey; Amanda Price; Alex Schutz (Edie) and Zachary Schutz; and five (almost 6) great-grandchildren: Lily, Leah, Lucy and Charlie Price and Connor Schutz and soon to arrive baby girl Schutz. Bob is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pulaski High School Marching Band, 1040 S. Saint Augustine St., Pulaski, WI, 54162.

On Saturday, June 24, 2023, family and friends may call upon the immediate family at 9:00 a.m. at St. Raphael Church, 830 S. Westhaven Drive, Oshkosh, WI. A funeral mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., and a luncheon will follow in tribute to this much-loved gentleman. A private burial will be held in Pulaski, Wisconsin.