Robert “Bob” Kassien

Robert “Bob” Kassien, age 96, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, in Bradenton, Florida. He was born on July 8, 1930, in Rhinelander.

Bob graduated from Arbor Vitae Woodruff High School in 1948. He joined the Air Force and was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska where he served during the Korean War as a Crew Chief on an F-80 aircraft which was the first “Jet” used by the United States Army Air Forces.

Bob was the grandson of Northwoods Pioneer, Robert Loveless of Manitowish Waters. After returning from his service, he met and married Darlene Engstrom of Flint, Mich. while her family was vacationing in the Northwoods. They settled in Flint and Bob went to work as a Tool and Die Maker at General Motors A/C Sparkplug division. 

They had two children, Renee and Jeffery. After retiring from A/C in 1993, he and Darlene split their time between Flint and Boulder Junction before eventually relocating to Florida for the winter months.

Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years Darlene; his brother, Gary Kassien; his two children, four grandkids and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Nels Hagen; mother, Ella Kassien; stepfather, Hank Kassien; brother, Melvin Kassien and his sister, Jeanette Omen.

A visitation will be held at Bolger Funeral Home-Woodruff Chapel on Thursday, July 30, 2026 starting at 10 a.m. with prayers and stories being shared at 11 until 11:30 a.m. Following services, Bob will be laid to rest at the Cemetery of the Pines in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin. www.bolgerfuneral.com for condolences.