Robert J. Kominiak

MCFARLAND– Robert J. "Bob" Kominiak, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 9, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 27, 1934, in Kenosha to Joseph A. and Mae M. (Bobruk) Kominiak. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joe Jr. Bob had a number of careers during his full life, most recently as co-owner of Silverdale Resort in Baraboo, with his wife Ginny. He was also an electrician for MG&E, an inspector for Hartford Steam Boiler, and owner of Gypsy Gin Auto Body Shop in McFarland. Throughout the course of his life, he was an avid skier, mountain climber, sailor, hunter, scuba diver, and fisherman. He enjoyed harassing the blue gill and northern from his Lake Waubesa pier, and spent many hours fishing the waters of Lake Michigan from the deck of the Gypsy Gin. In the days before the police and fire departments had diving teams, Bob participated in many rescue and recovery operations with the Madison Diving Club, including the 1967 plane crash that claimed Otis Redding. He also enjoyed traveling, and, with his wife Ginny, completed a round-the-world trip in 2002 to Japan, China, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and across the North Sea to England on a passenger freighter. Bob was a true Renaissance man. Woodcarver, jewelry-maker, engineer, artist—Bob could do it all. We believe there was nothing he could not design, invent, or fix. He built two sea kayaks from reclaimed cedar paneling found in a dumpster. Each was a work of art. His jewelry chains were fashioned from silver ingots—each link made by hand. Shells, stones—all were polished with painstaking skill and fashioned into unique jewelry bestowed on family and friends. Bob was patient, even-tempered, and non-judgmental. He was generous with his time and his skills. He was always busy, always involved in a project, but never too busy to lend a hand. Bob had a playful side and enjoyed a good party. He was an enthusiastic and swashbuckling participant in Greybeard's Annual Pirate Party in Cape Cod, Mass., and was awarded Pirate of the Year in 2013. Bob was grateful for the friendship of his wonderful neighbors and enjoyed hosting an annual Tom and Jerry party to warm the cold winter months. Bob is survived by Virginia, his wife of 61 years; his children, Tara (Nora Antil), Tracy (Dan Plaggemeyer), and Tamara (Dan) Knickmeier; his granddaughter, Chelsea (Josh) Romaker; great-grandchildren, Tanner and Eliana; his nieces, Amy Holsman, Mary Swenson, Karen Thompson, Rhonda Furguson, Susan Hill, and Jennifer Ferris; and his nephews, Bill Kominiak and Steve Thompson. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, 2016. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 noon until the time of the service on Thursday. Friends are invited to bring a story to share at the service. Donations in Bob's memory may be made to Angel's Wish, Dane County Humane Society, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, or a local charity of your choice. "We will miss you forever and hold you always in our hearts." Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420