Robert LaBuda

Robert “Bob” LaBuda, “The Apple Man” left this Earth and is now duck hunting from clouds in Heaven. Born to Frank and Katherine Jodarski LaBuda on April 22, 1932 in Berlin, WI., he was the youngest of 12 children. Raised in the Depression Era, Bob learned early of the value of hard work. At the age of eight, he delivered newspapers on his bicycle, saving his wages to buy his school clothes. Sometimes, he would treat his mom to ice cream. As a twelve-year-old, he was offered a job at the post office as a special delivery carrier. Reporting to work at 7:30 a.m., noon, 3:30 pm and then at 8:10 p.m. when the train arrived back in Berlin. Sometimes, if the train was delayed, Bob would be delivering special delivery letters at 11:00 p.m., thanking God above for his bike. Bob spent many, many years at his beloved Rush Lake cabin, which he and his brothers Louis (Snuffy) and Frank built. While his brothers were serving in WWII, Bob would catch the train at Berlin for eleven cents, getting off in the village of Rush Lake and then walk to the cabin. Graduating from Berlin High School in 1949, he then enrolled in Gale Telegraph School in Minneapolis, graduating in April 1950. While visiting his sister Bernice in Chicago to attend a Cubs game, his brother-in-law Arnold took Bob to visit the Chicago rail yard. Bob was immediately hired as a telegrapher and missed the ball game. Bob became a Station Agent and railroad company telegraph operator for 37 years. His positions included working in various railroad stations throughout Midwest Wisconsin. He was the Chairman for the Telegraphers Union. Being civic minded, he also served as Clerk of the Town of Berlin, Alderman of the Berlin City Council, Green Lake County Board of Supervisors, Rush Lake Restoration Commission and Chairman and Officer for the Green Lake Democratic Party. The invitation to JFK’s inaugural festivities proudly hangs in his office. On September 18, 1954, Bob married Beverly Broder. She passed away on November 17, 1985. Bob and Bev were so proud of their six children. James (Sue), Judy (William), Jane Lind, Joe (Colette), John (Maryanne) and Jennifer Turpin. Also carrying on the LaBuda legacy are 16 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Jim Seaman will always be Bob’s “younger brother” being life long buddies from childhood on. From hitch hiking to Green Lake, caddying at Tuscumbia and hunting, they were always together. Also leaving behind, special son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Perry and Rosemary Hubert. On June 12, 1987, Bob married Susan Nowakowski. Together they shared their love of fishing. Of course, Bob always caught the biggest perch! In their years together, they were able to travel to many interesting places. Bob’s Catholic faith was his guiding light and that is how he lived his life. Family and friends may visit with the family on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 9-10:30 at the Wiecki-Skipchak Funeral Home in Berlin. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held following the visitation at All Saints Catholic Parish at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Monsignor James Gunn. All are invited to the Parish Hall after the service for a luncheon and a time for sharing. A private family inurnment will be held at 2:30 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Cemetery in Berlin. A huge thank you to granddaughter Jess for her weekly calls to grandpa, Sister Michaeleen, Gary K, Denise Nelson for her loving care of Bob, Joyce and David and SSM Hospice. In place of flowers, a donation to The Berlin Catholic School Endowment Fund or planting a tree would be much appreciated. As Bob would say: “Please do not mourn for me as I’m finer than frog hair split length wise!” Kochamv cię (I love you)

Robert LaBuda

April 22, 1932 - November 22, 2024