Robert "Bob" Mittelstaedt's Obituary
Robert (Bob) Alan Mittelstaedt, age 75, passed away peacefully with his son at his side at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, Wisconsin, on March 14, 2025. Bob, the son of Robert G. and Helen O. Anderson Mittelstaedt, was born on May 1, 1949, in Waupaca. Bob was a lifetime resident of Waupaca. Bob had a deep impact on the Waupaca Community by not only starting a business in this community but also forging many friendships throughout his lifetime.
Bob’s life was defined by persistence and courage. Although he had faced many physical challenges throughout his life, he never let these physical challenges, or anything for that matter, get in the way of his passions and dreams. Bob started his career in the printing industry in the Fox Valley primarily in sales. His desire to be his own boss and build his own company eventually led him to start his own company with a cousin in the late 1970’s. The company was called Waupaca Pallet. Like many startup businesses, this first attempt failed, but Bob was not willing to give up. After discussing his ideas with his brother Paul, and his mother and father, Bob started his venture again with his brother Paul as his partner. With a loan from their parents, the brothers restarted the business, and this business has thrived for the past 46 years employing thousands of employees over the years throughout the greater Waupaca and Fox Valley areas. Today, this business is owned and operated by his son. Bob’s spirit of courage, hard work, and entrepreneurship continues to be deeply ingrained in the company.
Bob also had a love and passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed many decades of hunting and fishing. In his earlier years, duck hunting with Doc Kennedy and perch fishing with Grandma and Papa were some of his “go-to favorites.” Bob also loved farming and gardening. He loved spending countless hours working on his small farm where he had buffalo and cows over the years. He also loved spending time working on his orchards where he grew many varieties of fruit trees. When he was not building his company or working on his farm, Bob loved spending time with his countless friends over the years. He loved his hunting trips with friends to South Dakota, cookouts on the Chain O’ Lakes, and the occasional smelt fry. Bob always seemed to be the life of the party, mainly because he enjoyed being around his many friends and watching them enjoy themselves.
Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Caren Mittelstaedt of Waupaca: his son Robert (Kara) Mittelstaedt of Neenah; a step-son Sandy Bremmer of Waupaca; his sister Judy (Rick and Jason) Anderson of Platteville; his granddaughter Madeline Mittelstaedt of Neenah; a step-grandson Jacob Toftum, from Iola-Scandinavia and numerous cousins, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his mother Helen O. Anderson Mittelstaedt and his father Robert G. Mittelstaedt; his brother Paul Mittelstaedt; his step-son Tim Bremmer; his niece Stacy Mittelstaedt; and a step daughter-in-law, Jessica Bremmer.
The family would also like to give a very special thank you to Bob and Melodie Logan. The Logans were not only great neighbors and friends over the years, but they were amazing caregivers to Bob over the last 12 years making sure that he was able to continue to enjoy his home and farm as long as possible. Bob Logan was a great friend, and Melodie was like the daughter he never had. Their patience, love, and commitment to Bob will never be forgotten. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Mount View in Wausau for ensuring Bob’s last year was filled with peace, compassion, and many fun activities.
A private memorial service will be held at Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca.
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