Robert J. Karisny

Robert (“Bob”) Karisny (86) peacefully passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Bob was the epitome of a giving husband, father, grandfather (g’pa), brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all but aspired to “BWG” (a.k.a. be with God ); a phrase, he not only frequently said, but lived his life in such a way that he would have eternal peace with the Lord.

Bob was so empowered and proud of his 53 years of marriage to his loving wife, Mary, and to his dying day talked of how, because of her, he was and forever will be “the luckiest man on earth.” He loved his family fiercely; together Bob and Mary, were committed to their two children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. As the family patriarch, Bob was incredibly vested in a strong pillar of faith, a relentless hard-worker, and a wise sanctuary; indeed, Bob was that person who often offered compassionate listening and advice for all who sought it.

Bob’s legacy was filled by living what he loved to say (and his grandchildren now often repeat) “Be kind, be giving, be forgiving.” From his younger years, all the way to his last earthly day, Bob was committed to making others and himself better. Whether it was from his early teaching and coaching days in Shiocton, Oconto, or St. Mary’s High School, or his savvy in the business realms as Human Resources director at Cruisers Oconto Boat Corp, or beginning three firms in the Fox Cities - Acre Realty with partner, brother-in-law, Jack Drzewiecki of forty-five years, Valley Title, and First Place Mortgage he combined hard work with complete passion. He always had an eye for serving others and being innovative, far ahead of his time. It was not uncommon to find Bob with his yellow pad of notebook paper writing his “to-do” list and his goals for improvement EACH day. Often, he accomplished them.

Aside from his career passions, Bob also believed that if “Something is worth doing, it is worth doing well.” He also applied this mantra to many of his niches, and hobbies. He enjoyed both playing baseball and basketball at UW Oshkosh and at St. Mary’s High School in Menasha.

Additionally, he coached teams in Shiocton, Oconto, and St. Mary’s in Menasha. He was inducted into their Hall of Fame in the 1990s. He always said it was such a privilege working with so many young adults and was fortunate to establish many lifelong relationships. In his later years, he and his wife, Mary, took great joy in attending many of their grandchildren’s, basketball, football, baseball, hockey, and tennis games. He loved to go out in the driveway and “shoot hoops” or simply cheer them on during their competitions. He also had a keen interest in golf and found great joy in the friendships he established playing this sport as well.

Throughout his life Bob was a servant leader and had an affinity to be involved in many worthwhile organizations and causes. He helped organize the first tennis recreational program in Oconto in the 1970s and 1980s, actively supported veterans groups, homeless shelters, food shelters, the Alzheimer’s association, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and many more.

He and his wife, Mary, tried to live the motto, “the more you give the more you have.” Bob was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Margaret (Brehm) Karisny, his wife, Mary, and brothers Don and Jim. He survived by his son, Michael (Shannon), and their five children, Jacquelyn (Christian), Ethan, Avery (Dan), Cassidy (Kasi) and Zander (Emily), daughter, Jennifer McGinnis (Mark), and their three children, Patrick, Margaret, and Preston; brother, Paul, and sister, Dorothi and four great grandchildren, Bentley, Scotlyn, Kinsley, and James.

A mass celebrating his life will be held at Saint Patrick’s Menasha (324 Nicolet Blvd) on Saturday, May 24 with a visitation beginning at 8:30 AM and the funeral mass beginning at 10:30 AM.

The family would like to graciously thank all of the Rennes Nursing Home staff for their diligent and compassionate care for Bob over the past year. And also, a special thank you to Bob’s sister-in-law, Clare Drzewiecki, for her personal nursing care she shared. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The Fox Cities Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Fox Cities Chamber, 125 N. Superior St. 54911.