Robert W. Almquist

Robert W. Almquist, age 98, of Wisconsin Rapids, entered into eternal life on Friday, January 21, 2022 in Antigo, Wisconsin.
Funeral services for Robert will be held at 3:00 PM on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Deacon Tom Anderson will officiate the service. The family will greet relatives and friends on Friday afternoon at the funeral home from 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM. Burial will take place at Restlawn Memorial Park with full military rites provided by VFW Post #2534 of Wisconsin Rapids.
Robert was born on August 10, 1923 in Duluth, Minnesota to the late John and Martha (Schultz) Almquist. He was raised in Washburn, Wisconsin and after moving to Wisconsin Rapids graduated from Lincoln High School in 1943. Shortly thereafter, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served on active duty from January 1943 – May 1946. He was united in marriage to Ruth M. Mackie on November 9, 1950 and was blessed with 67 years of marriage and six children. She preceded him in death on March 16, 2018. Bob worked for Nekoosa Port Edwards Papers for over 30 years, retiring in 1985.
Bob's early childhood was spent in Washburn, Wisconsin. It was there, on the shores of Lake Superior where he developed his love of the big ships and desire to become a sailor. He was an avid outdoorsman in his younger years enjoying fishing, hunting and also playing semi pro football for the Wausau Muskies.
Bob led a full life. He and Ruth shared their love of "the cottage up north" where over 60 years of memories were made with friends and family. They traveled throughout the country to many of his ship's reunions and he made it a priority to stay in close touch with many of his shipmates.
Bob saw a final wish come true in 2019 when he received a personal invitation from the City of Oakland to say his goodbyes to the mast of his ship, USS Oakland. This trip also took him to San Diego's Mt. Soledad which displays a plaque honoring his military service. From there he traveled to Pearl Harbor where he was met with full honor guard and a warm welcome from the staff and Commander of the United States Pacific Fleet.
He was a life member of the Fleet Reserve Association and over 70-year member of the VFW, American Legion and Knights of Columbus, was a plank owner of the USS Oakland, a 26-year Navy Reserves veteran and a past member of the Grand Rapids Volunteer Fire Department.
Bob is survived by his children Robert Simon (Sarah) Almquist, Jill Clapp, Lynn (Special Friend Bill Hoes) Almquist, Joan Almquist and Patrick Almquist, 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Elsie Mackie.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth, mother Martha, father John, step-father Henry Fitz, son John Almquist, daughter-in-law Brenda Almquist and son-in-law Gary Clapp.
Bob was an inspiration to all who knew him, a friend to many, and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Bob's family would like to thank the Wisconsin Rapids VA home health team for the kind and compassionate care given to Bob.
Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids is assisting the family with arrangements.
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