Robert “Horsefly” C. Gnewikow, 81, of Tomah passed away on Sunday, Oct. 19, at Emplify Health-Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse.
He was born April 7, 1944, to Ottis and Bernice (Giraud) Gnewikow in Sparta. He was a member of the Tomah High School graduating class of 1962. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy. During his time in the service, he sailed around the world on the USS Basilone and the USS Long Beach.
On June 5, 2004, Robert was united in marriage to Patricia L. Hericks in the park in Sparta. Early on in life, he worked for a forestry program on the Washington Peninsula. He started his transportation career at YellowStone Trucking in Idaho, and in 2021, he finished his trucking time at Martin’s Milk Service after 30 years.
In his spare time, Horsefly could be found putting miles on his Harley Davidson and checking out car shows in his 1955 Chevy truck. Travelling out west, playing solitaire and spending time in his shop, eating his favorite Rocky Road ice cream and never missing an opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren were also some favorite pastimes. He was known for being a social butterfly, having a talkative personality who often made friends easily. He enjoyed going out for breakfast with a group of friends, the “BA boys.” He will be remembered as the one who could do anything for everyone.
He is survived by his wife, Patricia of Tomah; his children, James (Bettina) of Sequim, Wash., Travis (Desirae) of La Crosse, Louis Thompson of Tomah, Jennifer (Kevin) Siedler of Kendall, and Clint Gundersen of Sparta; his grandchildren, Garrett, Christina, Aryell, Richie, Remi, Maverick, Kylee and Morgan; his siblings, Joyce, Rick, Sara and David; his brothers- and sisters-in-law; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, 21693 County Hwy. A, Tomah (Ridgeville). Pastor Joel Neumann will officiate. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Norwalk, with military honors by the Hanson-Stark-Leith-Paeth American Wilton Legion Post 508. Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the services.
Following the graveside service, there will be a celebration of life at the Wilton American Legion from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be offered to the family by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
