Robert “Bob” Hruska

Robert “Bob” Hruska, 87, Gillett died peacefully Sunday afternoon, January 28, 2024 at a Green Bay hospital surrounded by family and friends.  He was born May 19, 1936 in Menominee, MI to William and Mildred (Salewski) Hruska.  Bob grew up in Menominee where he graduated high school with the class of 1954.  He went on to attend teacher’s college at Marinette, UW-Oshkosh, Northern Michigan and Superior eventually receiving his Master’s in education.

On August 20, 1960 he married Barbara Bonji at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain, MI.  Shortly after their first anniversary, Bob entered the US Army where he was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA.  The couple eventually settled in Gillett where Bob was employed at CESA and the Gillett Public Schools for 35 years, serving as elementary school principal for 26 of those years.  Following retirement, he continued to supervise student teachers for the State of WI for 10 years.  He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Gillett Civic Club.  As an avid outdoorsman, he authored 8 books under the penname The UP Rabbit, about humorous hunting and fishing stories.

Survivors are his two sons, Randy (Donna) Hruska, Harpursville, NY; Wayne Hruska, Gillett; four grandchildren, Melaya, Athena, Cal (Natasha) and Garrett; one brother, Bill (Dawn) Hruska, Menominee, MI; one sister-in-law, Donna (John) Dickman, Kingsford, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Barbara in 2011.

Visitation will be held after 9:00 AM Monday, February 5, 2024 at St. John’s Catholic Church, 127 Garden Ave. Gillett until the time of services.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Monday at the church with his nephew, The Rev. Fr. Tim Hruska and Fr. Francis Dusi concelebrating.  Burial with military honors will take place later in the day at Riverside Cemetery, Menominee, MI.