Robert “Bob” “Bobby” Simon Moucha
In the countryside of Drywood, where the rolling fields meet the endless sky, a true legend was born, Nov. 20, 1946, and the world was never the same.
Robert “Bob” “Bobby” Simon Moucha, A.K.A Bob Belushi, bid farewell to us, as a beloved soul, who was as much a part of the land, as the very soil he tilled. He was 77 years young.
Bob passed away peacefully at his family farm, Monday, March 11, 2024, at the farmhouse that has been in the Moucha family for over 100 years, surrounded by echoes of laughter and the memories of a well-lived life, after a long battle with cancer.
His life was extended well beyond the prognosis of any
doctor, by the extraordinary care of his loving wife, Sharon, and favorite (only) granddaughter, Megan, and loving family members, who went above and beyond to keep him with us, for as long as he and his maker would allow.
Bob was a true son of the land, where he worked and played. Between the farm, helping any neighbor in need and eventually, at the establishment in Jim Falls, called Belushi’s (the very place, where, years earlier, he and his future wife, Sharon, met for the very first time), everyone always looked forward to seeing him.
He and Sharon married in 1966, and celebrated 57 years of marriage, in 2023. Bob served in the Army Reserves, during his and Sharon’s early years of marriage. Soon, thereafter, they bought the home farm from Bob’s parents.
Bob’s creative and mischieveous twinkle in his beautiful blue eyes was known by many. He was more than just a farmer; he was a prankster extraordinaire, notorious for his good-natured antics, that brought smiles to the faces of all who knew him.
He left a legacy of being a master storyteller, spinning tales that captivated young and old alike, filling their hearts with joy and laughter. His pranks were legendary and his quick wit could turn anyone’s frown into a smirk.
Those who were a part of his conspiracies of the wellplanned pranks, will tell you that you never could outprank Bobby....or so he thought. Many of his recipients made sure Bob got his fair share.
The Moucha farmhouse door was never locked and always had an extra family member staying over. You could usually find them making sausages, like jaternice, having a family get-together or just a good ol’ fashioned card game.
Bob was known to many nieces, nephews and Drywood kids, as the teacher and trainer, in how to AND how “not to” do things in life – maple syrup at the sugar shack, mushroom picking, squirrel hunting, fishing, bunny blasting and so much more.
His family will joke that nothing could be done without turning it into a competition...and this legacy will live on in family cook-offs, turtle races, fishing contests, etc.
Bob was a devoted husband and father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. His love for his wife, Sharon, was unwavering. Their bond is a testament to a lifetime of shared joys and sorrows, and many years of travel to South Padre or Fort Meyers, and visiting family and friends across the U.S.
Together, they raised their three children – Dan, Mary Jo and Rick, and when the grandchildren came into their lives, you could rest assured that one of the grandkids was always with grandpa hunting or frog fishing (day or night), or dreaming up the next invention.
We all said that if Bob had created a patent for even half of his inventions, we would be RICH in monetary terms; instead, we are rich to this day, with the joy and memories that all his ideas inspired.
As we gather to celebrate his life, let us remember a few of the “Bobisms” that will live on forever, such as, “When did you get a job?”
“See you when it warms up!!!” “Are you just gonna lay around like a dog all day?” “Want a little cow **** on your lip?” Bobby may have left this earthly realm, but his spirit will linger on forever, in the stories told and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him. You can bet he is playing a great game of cards right now, with his good friends who passed before him: Lee, Randy, Albert, Lyle, Art and so many others.
He is survived by wife – Sharon; children – Dan (Denise Henry) Moucha, Mary Jo Bowe (Todd Armstrong) and Rick Moucha; grandchildren – Brett and Oceana, Brayden and Jordan, Bennett Bowe, Megan Moucha and Daniel Moucha; sister – Helen Melville (Ed Bobb); and many neices and nephews, who all call him Uncle Bob.
He was preceded in death by daughter – Nancy Moucha (at birth); parents – Edward and Elizabeth Moucha; brothers – Marvin, Gene, Art and Kenny Moucha; sister – Shirley Moucha; Loretta (infant sister at birth); and inlaws – Lynn and Dorothy Sloan, Lois Moucha, Earl Melville, Jane Moucha, Dave Moucha and Roger Ewoldt.
Join us to celebrate Bob and please bring all your favorite stories for a time of sharing. May the minnow/sailboat races and swamp buck live on forever!
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 1, with a memorial service at 1 p.m., with Pastor Greg Sima officiating, at the Bohemian Hall in Cadott.
Leiser Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Cadott, is assisting the family.
