10,
1941
24,
2025
Bob passed away unexpectedly at home while reading the sports page and drinking his morning coffee on June 24, 2025.
Bob was born on December 10, 1941, in Langdon, North Dakota. He attended the University of North Dakota, graduating with undergraduate and law degrees before moving with his wife and sons to Wisconsin. Bob was a public defender for 40 years in Madison, first with Dane County Legal Services and then with the Wisconsin State Public Defender. He opened his own law office after retirement, continuing to represent indigent clients for years.
Bob was always active, playing tennis and cycling throughout his life. He biked to work 365 days a year for decades, adding a ride around Lake Monona at lunch when possible. Bob biked across country from Oregon to Virginia, staying in campgrounds every night. He took a bike tour across Cuba.
Bob loved reading, hiking, watching the Packers and Brewers, and attending every UW-Madison sporting event possible. He loved movies – both classic and current. He has hundreds of DVDs and was probably the last Netflix customer renting DVDs by mail.
Bob was predeceased by his parents Robert and Madeline, and brother Jack. He is survived by his wife Mary; his sons Doug (Lori) and Michael (Evan); grandchildren Emma, Henry and Christopher; sisters-in-law Ilomay Beiser and Carol Burke; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at Saint James Catholic Church,1204 St James Ct., Madison on Tuesday, July 1st at 11:00 am. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 am to the time of the service, with a luncheon following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Porchlight (porchlightinc.org) in his memory.
Please share your memories of Bob by posting in his guestbook.
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