Robert ‘Bob’ R. Pike, age 73, born and raised in Merrill, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital.  Bob was born on November 8, 1949 to the late Rudolph and Ione (Marshall) Pike in Merrill, WI.  He attended and graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1967.  Bob met and married the love of his life, Mary Kunkel.  They were united in marriage on October 5, 1968 in Merrill, WI.  She survives. Bob did many things in his life, starting off in the plumbing and heating business with his dad, then going to school to become a Journeyman in plumbing and eventually working in maintenance and custodial work for the Merrill Area Public Schools.  Bob enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and going to the shack to cook for the guys and visit.  He enjoyed being outside mowing his lawn and working in his gardens as well.  Bob loved puzzles, and even had a “puzzle friend”, Carol Fischer!  He also enjoyed playing cribbage, cards, baseball and horseshoes, as well as watching games shows on the television.  On nice evenings, he would take a drive and shine for deer.  Bob also made the best venison jerky and maple syrup.  He loved his sweets and always had ice cream close by!  He was a jokester and was always teasing or playing pranks on his family and friends. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and would look forward to hosting parties at the house. Bob will be sadly missed, but good memories of him will always be with his loved ones.

Bob leaves behind his wife: Mary Pike, son: Todd (Terri) Pike, daughter: Sandi (Dean) Heller, grandsons: Trevor (Taylor) Pike, Troy Pike and Tad Pike, siblings: Sharon Hagedorn, Dennis (Roxy) Pike, Jerry (Cindy) Pike, Susie Pike (with friend Roger) and Diane (Jeff) Wyland, along with his grandpups: Ivy and Daisy Mae.  He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law: Eugene Hagedorn, Roger (Nancy) Kunkel, Robert Kunkel and sister-in-law: Carol (Roger) Krause.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will take place at a later date. Bob’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the emergency personnel responding to the scene, as well as the staff at the Aspirus Merrill Hospital.  Your kindness and efforts were appreciated. Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.