Bernard P. Rombalski Jr.

Bernard P. “Pete” or “Rambo” Rombalski Jr., 52, of Merrillan, died unexpectedly, Sunday, July 26, 2026.

He was born September 28, 1973, in Whitehall, to Bernard P. Sr. and Nelly (Navarro) Rombalski. He grew up in Strum and graduated from Independence High School in 1991.

Pete served honorably in the U.S. Navy for 14 years, many spent aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise working in the nuclear lab.

Pete met Elaine Larson at Pete’s Bar in Black River Falls. The two were married December 30, 2003, in Las Vegas. Together they raised five children and resided in Merrillan where Pete was currently a sergeant at the Jackson County Correctional Facility, working more than 28 years there. 

In his spare time, Pete enjoyed home projects and in fact, purchased many homes to fix up and resell. He also enjoyed fishing, going to the shooting range, spending time with his family and playing pool. In his younger days, he played on many pool leagues and was an avid collector of pool cues. His children enjoyed visiting pool halls and learning to play.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Elaine; children: Samantha, Christopher (Amber) Conant, Dominic, Bernard III, and Isabel; parents, Bernie and Nelly Rombalski; in-laws, James and Deborah Larson; siblings: Anthony (Kelly), twin brothers, Jacob (Jennifer) and James (Katie Jensen); grandchildren: Valerie and Lucas; close friend, Jason Knapp; and many other relatives and friends. 

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kinsley.

A memorial mass will be held Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence. Military honors will immediately follow the service at the church.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, August 10, all at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Independence.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are preferred and appreciated. Please visit the family’s gofundme page at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-pete-rombalskis-family-funeral.

Smith Funeral Chapel, Eau Claire is serving the family. Visit smithfuneralec.com to express condolences online.