William Arthur Kubitschek

February 19, 1935 - February 18, 2023 (87 years old)

William A. Kubitschek, age 87, of Tomahawk, WI, and formerly of St. Paul, MN, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 18, 2023. His faithful dog Lexi was by his side along with his family.

Bill attended and played hockey at Humbolt High School. He was also an avid MN Wild and MN Viking Fan. At the age of 17, Bill joined the Navy.

Bill is a distinguished Navy veteran who served his country with honor and dedication from 1952 to 1956. He served his country as an aviation mechanic in the United States Navy from May 1952 (age 17) to 1956 (age 21).

Part of his military time was spent in Hutchinson, KS, Norfolk, VA, and San Francisco, CA. He spent time on the U.S.S. Sicily CVE-118 ship. He was also stationed in Guam where he helped build the airstrip. While in the Navy, he obtained his high school diploma, a National Defense medal, and a Good Conduct medal.

Following his honorable discharge from active duty on January 12th, 1956, William A. Kubitschek continued to serve his community and country in various capacities. His legacy of service and sacrifice is a testament to the proud tradition of the United States Navy and the brave men and women who have served under its banner.

Bill was naturally very talented and had many skills. In 1957 while living in Wichita, KS, he was employed as an aviation mechanic for Boeing working with the B-52 Stratofortress production. He also invented the first chassis tester in the United States (the chassis is what makes the balls return, and the pins get picked up and swept away)!

Bill also taught at Dunwoody Institute, worked for AMF, started his own company Quality Service Bowling Equipment in Fridley MN, owned and operated Dakota Bowl in Rosemount, MN, and his final venture was owning and operating a tavern called Mr. Bill’s in Tomahawk, WI.

He was very instrumental in the installation of most of the bowling lanes throughout the Midwest including the famous Mermaid Lanes in Mounds View, MN, and Tomahawk Bowl in Tomahawk, WI.

Bill had a passion for sailing. He enjoyed sailing Lake Superior out of Bayfield, WI. In 1980 he took his 60’ Chris Craft sailboat, channeled through the Great Lakes, down the East Coast, and to the Bahamas. He resided on his sailboat before settling in Tomahawk. In 1983 he purchased Margie’s Tavern and renamed it Mr. Bill’s.

Bill was an active member of the Tomahawk Lions Club and a generous supporter of Special Olympics and Lincoln Industries.

He was predeceased by his parents, Aloysius and Clara Kubitschek of St Paul, MN; his daughter Janell of Blaine, MN; grandson Nicholas of St. Francis, MN, and his brother Louis of Lee’s Summit, MO.

He is survived by his children, Debra, of Fridley, MN, Tami Schmidt, of Moundsview, MN, Bob of Tomahawk, WI; Angela Bortnem of Brookings, SD and Tricia Renn of Tomahawk, WI; his brother, Tom of White Bear Lake, MN, and Sister Janet of Mesa, AZ. His 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Bill/Dad was well known for these statements: “When not in use, shut off the juice!” “Take care of your teeth.”

Bill loved playing hockey! 

This is an article from the St. Paul Sunday Pioneer Press on February 17, 1952.

Bill is standing next to the coach in the back row. 

Bill is stationed in Guam. August to November 1955

Bill is stationed in Guam. August to November 1955

Home for Christmas - 1954

William A. Kubitschek - 1st Navy photo at age 17. 1954

Fort Snelling National Cemetery

WILLIAM ARTHUR KUBITSCHEK's Profile Picture

This is a hockey article from the St. Paul Sunday Pioneer Press on February 17, 1952. Bill is standing next to the coach in the back row. He loved hockey!

Photos of my dad while he was stationed in Guam. 

Photos of my dad while he was stationed in Guam. 1955

Bill is stationed in Guam. May 25, 1955 and June 5, 1955

Photos of my dad in the Navy from 1952 to 1956. 

Bill meets his oldest daughter. January 14, 1956

WILLIAM ARTHUR KUBITSCHEK

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