Robert "Bob" Koth, age 93, of Tomahawk, passed away on November 16, 2015 at Country Terrace Living Center, in Tomahawk.
Bob was born on September 26, 1922 in Tomahawk to Lloyd & Ruth Koth. He married Rose Marie Howes on September 27, 1947 in Tomahawk, she passed away in 2013. Bob was a pilot for the US Navy during World War II. During his Navy pre-flight training in CA, Bob was a starting member of the basketball team. He served in the US Naval Reserves from 1949 to 1969 traveling all over the world. In the spring of 1964, before the United States was really involved in the Vietnam War, Commander Koth was one of 35 military officers chosen by NATO to discuss strategies to be used during the war.
Bob was a prominent businessman in Tomahawk. He had owned and operated the Sears Store, Koth Hardware Store, Koth LP Gas, Koth Realty & Insurance, and the Pine Tree Supper Club for several years. Bob was active with the Tomahawk Lions Club for many years, he ran the Kiddie Races on the 4th of July. He was a member of the VFW and American Legion Posts in Tomahawk, Friends of the Tomahawk Airport, Quiet Birdman Association, 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, a former member of the Maple Birch Thursday night golf league. He was a long-time driver for the "Meals on Wheels" program. In the early 1970s he and Rose Marie built their retirement home on Clear Lake. He was an avid Green Bay Packer, Wisconsin Badger fan, and was a huge supporter of his grandchildren and their activities.
Survivors include:
4 Children, Robin (Denise Holmes) Koth Middleton, WI
Peggy (Tom Steinman) Koth Middleton, WI
Randy Koth Fitchburg, WI
James "Fred" (Becky" Koth Tomahawk
He is further survived by 4 Grandchildren, Lindsay, Brittany, Katie, and Freddy. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Marie, a grandson, James F Koth, and 2 brothers, Lloyd and John.
A Memorial Mass with Military rites for Bob Koth will take place at 4:00PM on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Friends may call at the church Thursday afternoon from 2:00PM until the time of Mass at 4:00PM.