Roman 'Muzzy' Joseph Conhartoski

MARQUETTE, Mich. - On Nov. 11, 2021, family surrounded and embraced Roman "Muzzy" Joseph Conhartoski, 83, as Roman gently took his last breath and entered the kingdom of heaven.

Roman was a dedicated son, husband, father, brother, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. The only tragic impact of knowing and having such a loyal, loving human being in one's life is how hard it is to have to say goodbye.

Roman was born on Sept. 14, 1938, in Hurley, Wisconsin, to Romen J. and Theresa M. (DeMario) Conhartoski. Roman was born into a unique generation; a generation of duty before pleasure and hard work, where "giving back" was important. 

Roman graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in 1958 and formed lifelong friendships in high school. He stayed connected to people from his past. Roman valued reminiscing with fellow graduates; particularly those whom Roman played football with during his high school days. He shared stories of how the community and families would line the streets applauding and cheering as the J.E. Murphy Football Team emerged from the locker room making their way to the field on foot. Cleats echoed in unison as they struck pavement while teammates chanted a deep-voiced "OOHRAH" repeatedly as they made their way to the field. 

Roman enlisted in the Hurley-based Army Reserve Unit Company D after graduating high school. Roman also began working at American Motors in Kenosha, Wisconsin. During the Berlin Crisis, Roman along with 148,000 national guardsmen and reservists were ordered to active duty in 1961.

Returning in 1962, Roman became enchanted with Marcella Uremovich at this time. The two fell in love and married on July 25, 1964. Roman Joseph "Little Muzzy" Conhartoski III was born in 1965. Gina Sue Conhartoski was born in 1966. He cherished time with family and was never detached from family values inherited as a youngster. Roman's family moved back to Hurley in 1966 to be closer to family, where he continued to assist his father and mother on the family farm.

Roman worked at White Pine Mine for the next seven years before attaining his job with the Hurley High School, retiring in 2001 after thirty years of dedicated service. He loved and valued his job, never failing to take up a new challenge whilst forming the greatest of friendships with fellow colleagues. Roman at times expressed his gratification while working, cheerfully whistling, creating a sense of light-heartedness for those to hear.

Roman and Marcella continued the lineage and had two more sons, Ryan Steven Conhartoski, born in 1977, and Nathan Daniel Conhartoski, born in 1982. Roman's children were his world. His love of family exhibited through hard work no matter what work it entailed. Roman's family never questioned his love for them, be it from working the fields, fixing broken-down tractors, trucks, cars, tearing down roofs with pitchforks, making wood, building a garage and house with family and friends, to measuring every nook and cranny to perfection. 

Roman's leisure time was enjoyable for all, he could fill a room with laughter. He was one of the most charming dancers on the floor, enumerating little ticking sounds to the music from his pursed lips as he spun his partner. Roman continued his love of sports playing softball throughout the summers. Frequently, Roman could be seen hitting fly balls to his children, tossing a football back and forth, working the chains during high school football games, and playing basketball with his sons and grandsons, demonstrating the ability to complete a jump shot in his work boots at age 60. Roman's most sacred leisure time was during deer hunting season out at the farm with his sons.

Roman never bragged and rarely complained. He was an incredibly hard worker, believing wholeheartedly in humble living. The family "rock" most often had an answer and resolution to any problem, teaching and imprinting within his children that when faced with a difficult task to always perform their best, in return, establishing an attitude of happiness and satisfaction in one's life.

Roman is sadly missed by a sister, Rita Zwetow (Conhartoski) of Mellen; best friend, Marci Uremovich of Hurley; sons, Roman (Patti) Conhartoski and Nathan (Renee) Conhartoski, all of Hurley; daughter, Gina (Nicole) Conhartoski of Crystal, Minnesota; grandsons, Thomas (Marisa) Conhartoski, Cory (Ellyn) Conhartoski, Trever (Kaitlyn) Conhartoski and Dylan (Danielle) Conhartoski; great-grandsons, Rylan, Aydan, Calvin, Landon and Carson; great-granddaughters, Everleigh and Elilah; brothers-in-law, Al Rye, Steve (Gloria) Uremovich and Donnie Danielson; sister-in-law, Ann Danielson (Uremovich); and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Roman was preceded in death by his parents, Romen and Theresa Conhartoski; sister, Mary Ann Rye (Conhartoski); son, Ryan Steven Conhartoski; and brother-in-law, Tom Zwetow.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Dec. 3, 2021, at 11 a.m. at St Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, Wisconsin. The vigil will be held prior to Mass at 10 a.m. Luncheon to follow services in the church lower level. Spring burial is planned.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood, Michigan to honor Roman's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.