Robert Kulick

Robert Edwin Kulick, age 82, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026. He was born on March 15, 1944 in Madison, WI to Joseph and Agnes (Bostedt) Kulick. He attended East High School, and joined the Navy in 1961 where he served on the flight deck of the USS Independence. He was proud of his service years and spoke fondly of his final tour in the Mediterranean. After the Navy, he worked as a lineman for MG&E before joining the Madison Water Utility, where he spent many years as a utility truck driver before retiring.

Robert was an honorable man who showed his love quietly through acts of service. He took great pride in his home and he loved working outside and helping people, attributes that guided him like an internal compass throughout life. It was evident in the countless years he mowed lawns and shoveled for his elderly neighbors, becoming the unofficial caretaker of the block until his kids became old enough to inherit the “family business.” Dependable to a fault, he’d drop whatever he was doing to help you, no matter how far out of his way it took him. He had a love for collecting old toys and over the years built an impressive model railroad layout in his basement with vintage trains and scenic farmlands. He took pleasure in weekly treks to Columbus to watch the Amtrak and freight trains, and on weekends he could be found camping or driving the back country roads to antique stores looking for new treasures with his Lynnie. 

Robert is survived by his loving partner of 23 years, Lynn Olson; his daughter, Victoria Kulick; his sons, Anthony (Rachel) Verbrick and Joel (Jill) Verbrick; his grandson, Aidan Waters; and former wife, Kay Gast. He is also lovingly remembered by Lynn’s daughters; Kimberly Kuchar and Michelle (Brett) Hoeft; and her grandchildren, Kasey, Alyssa, Kody, Natalie, and Evan, all of whom cherished Robert as part of their family.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Joseph R. Kulick. He will be buried at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

The family extends a special thanks to his doctors and nurses at the Madison VA Hospital, and especially the hospice and ICU staff during his final two weeks. Your care and compassion during such a difficult time are not forgotten. 

A private celebration of life will be held amongst close family and friends at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research.