Robert “Bubba” Ronald Gwidt, born on February 28, 1951, in Pulaski, WI, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on March 15, 2024 at his home in River Falls, WI.
Throughout high school in Pulaksi, WI, Robert was a talented multi-sport athlete. He competed in football, wrestling and track and distinguished himself by placing second in State for wrestling, and holding the State record for discus for several years. Upon graduating, Robert attended the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, where he continued wrestling and track. He again achieved, and held for many years, the State record for discus.
Robert married the love of his life, Melanie Dree Mack on May 9th, 1986 in Mankato, MN. Melanie passed away from brain cancer on December 1st, 1998. Robert is survived by his sons Wes (Lauren) and Ryan (Theresa). He is also survived by his grandchildren Melanie, Nora, and Oak; many Gwidt family members in Pulaski; and his honorary Kubiak family.
Robert worked for Fedex Express for 33 years. He was an exceptional courier achieving over 30 years of safe driving. He delivered to his friends and neighbors in River Falls for much of his career.
Robert was a beloved member of the River Falls community. He was always there to lend a hand or provide a ride to where you needed to go. Robert was always making people laugh through imitating characters, quoting an old movie or telling a joke. He was very passionate about health and fitness. He loved attending and helping out with local sports events, most importantly, Green Bay Packer games. Robert also competed for many years in adult softball and racquetball leagues. He had been spending his retirement hiking and traveling with family and friends from his Johnnie’s Bar family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family to be donated to the River Falls High School wrestling team.
Visitation for Robert “Bubba” Ronald Gwidt was at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street) in River Falls. A Memory Sharing service was held at 3:00 PM (same location). A reception followed the service at Johnnie’s Bar (116 North Main Street River Falls, WI 54022). Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
New Richmond:
(715) 243-5252 |
River Falls:
(715) 425-8788
18 Comments
Gonna miss our friendship
I never forget your kindness when Bob brought to River Falls.
I also will never forget when i was driving you and Bob to Pulaski WI because you both couldn’t drive. I stopped at an Amish place and purchased little cherry pies. The next morning I went to car because I forgot about them. Thank you Bob for eating them for me! Love you Bob. You will make a great Angel!
The best of the best. Patti and I loved it when he would stop in the office to get some tax advice!! Always smiling!
Bob was a special person. I have the memory of travelling to so many wrestling tournaments with Him. He and Pauly Cudd recorded the events for RF TV access and I did the radio updates. He was a joy to spend time with. Rest in Peace. I am proud to call you my friend.
A very special man that gave us such an amazing gift of friendship, joy, humor, and love. Known Bubba for so many years and he made a difference just by being wonderful Bob!! All my love to his precious family….he was a gift that we were so lucky to have known!
I have many good memories involving Robert. I feel honored to have called him a friend.
He would give the shirt off his back if you needed it. If you were his friend he was there. I’m going to miss the new memories never to be made. RIP Bubba. Miss you!
Lots of great memories, but hard to say “ Goodbye “
I knew Bob way back to college days. I reconnected with him when I worked at the clinic and he delivered products to us when he drove for Federal Express. He always had a smile on his face and a warm hello when we saw him at Johnnies. Miss you!
Met Bob in September of ’71 at the Red Cross blood drive at UW-RF. Checked in at the same time/desk. Then we went for a beer, but had to leave the county, drive to Beldenville for that . He was a special and wonderful person.
Met Bob thru Dave kubiak at Dave’s place in Pulaski. Bob & me kinda clicked for our admiration for good tunes & cold brews. We exchanged our favorite songs & Some bands he knew that I didn’t (southside Johnny) to my newer bands, which he didn’t know but genuinely was appreciative of. In the short time I knew Bob I immediately considered him a good friend & would be excited to hear he was coming by Dave’s for the weekend. What a kind, Gentle, Strong & fun guy. Truly one of a kind & will miss you deeply Bobby Boy!
Bubba was the nicest guy on the planet. Always smiling, laughing, and joking.
In the fall of 1969, my parents drove Bob and me to start our freshman year at UWRF. We had attended Byron James’ Wrestling Camp and decided to try and make the team. Our first year in River Falls turned into many years and for Bob, a lifetime. As the time went by, we were roommates at several off campus sites. Wrestling, school and being college guys was a full time occupation. Bob eventually made it to Federal Express where he found his dream job. We kept in contact over the years with calls, visits and adventures, the last being a hike in the Grand Canyon, Bob would always rave about his family, friends and career. Bob was honest, loyal, hardworking and funny. He was also one of the best friends in my life.
Tom,
Just wanted to say again how much I enjoyed listening to the many memories told especially by you and Dave. Bubba would have been proud of me. I had a few more beers than I should have and even a coors light in his honor. Glad my wife was my DD. Going to seem strange not having a beer with him at Johnnie’s. Hope you were here long enough to enjoy the weather.
Bubba was the right guy to have as a friend and teammate. Glad to see that he was so well liked. He was dedicated to everything he did.
Bubba’s obituary says it all. I have great memories of Cliff and I going to racquetball tournaments for years. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. I’m so grateful I had a nice chat with him a couple of weeks ago. 💕
I heard the sad news. On the radio damn the you hate to lose.the good ones. He was one for sure!
Love you Bob, we will miss you dearly. When I see you again you can introduce me to the Angels. Sleep tight, your friend Bob Brenna
Tom,
Just wanted to say again how much I enjoyed listening to the many memories told especially by you and Dave. Bubba would have been proud of me. I had a few more beers than I should have and even a coors light in his honor. Glad my wife was my DD. Going to seem strange not having a beer with him at Johnnie’s. Hope you were here long enough to enjoy the weather.
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