Robert L. Kaminskas

Robert L. Kaminskas passed away on Monday, July 13, 2026, at his home following an aggressive battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, with Nancy and Jordan by his side. Bob was born on February 14, 1943, to Walt and Marie Kaminskas, in Chicago, IL. Bob graduated from Horace Mann High School in North Fond du Lac, and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in 1994. On March 2, 2001, he married the love of his life, Nancy, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. “How many?!” and “are you out there?!” was coined by Bob to answer the phone (instead of, hello), to determine the status of the caller. Bob was such an avid fisherman – he wanted to know “how many fish” were in the live well or if the caller was “out there” on the lake – catching the big one. His unique sense of humor caught on with those closest to him. To others, it was often speculation as to what he meant when greeted on the phone. An avid sportsman throughout his life, Bob had a deep passion for hunting and fishing. His TV room proudly displays many trophies and mementos from his outdoor adventures, each representing treasured experiences in the woods and on the water. He found great joy in the outdoors and appreciated every opportunity to share that passion with family and friends. Bob displayed his intellect and hard work ethic around the house, staying busy nearly every day, with his allotted time. He would fix, build, repair anything his wife Nancy requested. He was, “the jack of all trades but master of none”, as he proudly stated. There wasn’t anything Bob couldn’t repair. He taught his grandson, “you always try to fix something yourself first, and if you can’t, then you call someone”. This was one of many great lessons he shared with his grandson. Bob loved his only son, Mark, even though, like many of us, it was an unconventional relationship. Bob and Mark talked on the phone every night – proving the pacific/central time distance wasn’t going to hinder his relationship with his son. Upon Mark’s passing, a part of Bob passed that day, as well. They enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching/attending Packer games, and having a few cocktails together. Sometimes they watched the Packer games together over the phone (when there was no lag between the action). Bob enjoyed physical fitness and nutrition up until the last year of his life. His schedule was consistent and rigid. He would go to the YMCA every morning to lift weights and “workout on all the machines”. He was ahead of his time when it came to nutrition. One saying that rings in our head, “if you eat bread, you’re dead”. Bob considered himself very knowledgeable, which rang true, as his intellect spanned across various spectrums of life. Bob will be lovingly remember by his wife, Nancy; his grandson Jordan Balthazor; his brother, John (Diane) Kaminskas; his godson, Jeff (Michelle) Lamb, his stepson, Jim (Holly) Balthazor, his step grandchildren: Allyson and Alex Balthazor; his sisters-in-law: Patricia Stoffregan, Susan (Tim) Christensen, and Jodie (John) Ford; caring neighbors Tony and Patti Schumacher; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Xena the Warrior Princess, provided him with endless joy and companionship. He was preceded in death by his son, Mark Kaminskas, his stepdaughter Julie Balthazor, his parents Walter and Marie Kaminskas, his father and mother-in-law Tom and Marion Snyder, his brother Walter (Sue) Kaminskas; his sister Mary (Frank) Lamb; his sister-in-law Patti Kaminskas, his brother-in-law Stephen Meyer, niece Cheri Seefeldt, and nephew Scott Kaminskas. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Jones, the dedicated staff at the SSM Cancer Center, and the SSM Hospice team for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Bob and his family throughout his illness. Bob’s kindness, humor, dedication to family, and love of the outdoors will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Though he is no longer with us, the memories he created and the lives he touched will remain in the hearts of his family and friends forever. Per Bob’s request, there will be no services. Private inurnment to take place.

Robert L. Kaminskas

February 14, 1943 - July 13, 2026