Robert Annen

Robert P. Annen was at home, comfortable, and surrounded by family when he passed away on July 8th. He is survived by his wife Delores (Capaci); his children Vickie (Donald) and Steven (Colleen); his grandchildren Alexandra, Amelia, Matea, and Demeke; his siblings Donald (Dorothy), Janet (Anthony), Doris (Charles), Elizabeth (Robert), Lorna (Joel), Marilyn, Michael (Jane) , Rodney, and Richard (Mary). Bob is also survived by his numerous nieces and nephews and his many friends. He is preceded in his passing by his parents and brother Roland (Jeanne).

Bob was born on December 4, 1936 in Madison, WI the 5th child of Peter and Edna Annen. He grew up on Mound Street, amidst the constant activities of a large family made even larger by the presence of many friends and neighbors. Bob worked steadily from a young age, beginning at Candlin Pet Hospital. He graduated Madison West High School in 1954 with many close friends whose antics, including cannon firings and a stolen moose head, became the stuff of legend.

Bob studied mechanical engineering at UW Madison. He completed Army ROTC and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Bob and Delores were married in 1957 and started their life and their family together. In his junior year, Bob deferred college and entered active duty, serving in the 19th engineer combat battalion stationed in Ft. Mead, Maryland.

Bob returned to college and completed his degree in 1959 and started his engineering career at Bjorksten Research Labs. In 1964, Bob joined the Wisconsin National Guard as Captain and company commander of headquarters company 42nd infantry division Wisconsin Army National Guard. During this time, Bob was an active amateur athlete, playing touch football, volleyball, and soccer. He was a member of the Madison 56ers soccer club from 1964 to 1969, his team winning the state championship in 1967.

In 1969, Bob and family moved to Boca Raton, Florida where he began his work in the defense industry at Lundy Technical Center. Bob continued to advance in his profession and relocated in 1977 to West Caldwell, NJ where he worked at ITT Avionics until his retirement. Bob and Delores returned to Madison in 2012.

Bob continued his athletic endeavors throughout his life and played on numerous softball, soccer, sailing, and volleyball teams. Bob competed in age-bracketed Masters Competition volleyball from 1982 through 2016 amassing numerous team and MVP medals. Upon his return to Madison, Bob played volleyball with the Madison Turners. Bob ended his competitive career as a proud member of the Annen family trivia team.

Bob found great joy in being a loving and enthusiastic grandfather known affectionately as "Daddoo". He and Delores made many trips to California to visit their grandchildren and attended their events and created lasting memories.

Robert P. Annen will be remembered for his intelligence, knowledge of all things, do-it-yourself nature, passion for team sports, dedication to his family, loyalty to the extended Annen family and his enthusiasm for Annen Camp.
Family will greet guests from 10:30 am until 11:00 am on Saturday, July 29th at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705. A funeral service will follow at 11:00am. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob's life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to support the Robert P. Annen Educational Scholarship Fund which benefits Madison West High School graduates entering an engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Please send gifts to: Madison Community Foundation, 2 Science Court, Suite 3, Madison, WI 53711 and note "Robert P. Annen Fund" in the memo line, or make a gift online at www.madisongives.org/robertpannen . Please share a memory.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 238-8406