WITTENBERG, Wis.— Robert (Bob) Nueske, 67, the well-known owner and president of Nueske's Applewood Smoked Meats, Wittenberg, Wis., died on Jan. 12 in Chicago due to complications following knee replacement surgery that took place on Jan. 5. Nueske was the son of RC Nueske, who founded the company in 1933, according to news reports.

Nueske enjoyed building his family business into a nationally recognized Nueske brand and was recently nominated to the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame and will be inducted in May. He was also very community minded and wanted to help and promote his home town. Nueske served on the boards of the Associated Bank and the Brian LaViolette Foundation.

Nueske reportedly loved traveling to Pilsen, Czech Republic, to present the Scholarship of Honor. The Czech people have remained very appreciative of their liberation because of the American military help, according to his obituary. Each year they celebrate their liberation in May; he attended this event each year.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene, and three children. His funeral service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School Gymnasium, Wittenberg, Wis. Military rites will be conducted by the Bloecher-Johnson American Legion Post #502, Wittenberg. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9am until the time of service at the high school. Interment will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Wittenberg.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family as a memorial fund will be established.