Robert C. Wicka

– Robert C. Wicka, 91, of Independence, died Monday, February 22, 2016 at Wisconsin Veterans Home of Chippewa Falls. He was born June 20, 1924 in St. Charles, Minn. to Leo and Clementine (Malszycki) Wicka. Robert joined the Army in 1943 and fought under General Patton in Battle of the Bulge. He froze his toes while transporting fresh troops to the front line. He worked for Madison Silo Company until a scaffolding accident resulted in a 35 foot fall. He married Marian Rumpel on October 18, 1948. He worked for Ladish Company in Milwaukee for two years and then returned to the Independence area to farm. He enjoyed farming, driving his combine, hunting, trapping and his dog, "Joey". After retiring to the city of Independence, his hobby was raising apple trees. He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the American Legion. Robert is survived by four children, Linda Welch of Comstock, Wis., Archie (Debbie) Wicka of Orlando, Fla., Charlie Wicka of Independence and Fred (Robin) Wicka of Bayfield, Colo.; brother, Gene (Marie) Wicka of San Diego, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Greg Miller, Josh, Lisa, Britni and Alex Wicka, Pat (Brooke) Welch and Kate Welch; seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marian, (June 7, 2005); granddaughter, Stacie Miller, (January 10, 2016); son-in-law, Mike Welch; three brothers, Henry, Edwin and Norbert and three sisters, Eleanor, Dorothy and Irene. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Independence, with the Very Rev. Woodrow H. Pace officiating. Burial, with military rites, will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert C. Wicka, please visit our flower store.