Robert Purcell

Sun Prairie - Robert Arthur Purcell lost his five year battle with cancer on August 30, 2012, at the age of 63. He arrived on Father's Day, June 19th, 1949. He was the second son for Earl Dean and Donna (Getschman) Purcell. He graduated from Sauk-Prairie High School in 1968. He attended MATC for one year, studying cooking, which was a delight for his siblings as he often tested his homework on them. He went on to learn the trade of electrician and due to his quickness to assess a job, was recognized by his peers as one of the best in his field. In addition to his work, his love of sports, especially softball, kept him busy for over thirty years. He loved to tout the successes of the teams he was associated with as to the number of home runs, games won, and the many players he had the pleasure of working with and being a part of their achievements. He referred to his teams as the "New York Yankees" of softball. Dressing to win was as important as winning and his teams always dressed to win. A few of the teams he was associated with were the Twin City Brewers, the Diamond Backs, the Varsity Club, and most recently Wandos.
Bob married his favorite dance partner, Connie (Leatherberry) Kehoe on December 10, 1976 and assumed the role of Dad to Connie's three children. They later added a son of their own to complete the family. Bob was an excellent dancer and with Connie as his partner, wowed families and friends alike at weddings, anniversaries, and any gathering where the music from the 1970's might be playing.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of thirty five years, Connie, his children Jeffrey (Christine) Kehoe of Twin Lakes, WI, Trevor (Peggy) Kehoe of Oshkosh, WI, Jennifore (Dave) Ebert of Oregon, WI, and Tyson (fianc�e, Krista) Purcell of Middleton, WI. He also leaves eight grandchildren, Drake, Mackenzie, Kieran, Kelly, and William Kehoe, Isaac and Celia Ebert, and his little princess, Parker Purcell.
He is further survived by his Mother Donna Purcell of Merrimac, WI, two brothers, Richard of Wisconsin Dells, WI, Robin (Karen) of Merrimac, WI, five sisters, Debby (Rodney) Merritt of Austin, TX, Dawn (Randy) Theisen of Wisconsin Dells, WI, Nola of Merrimac, WI, Jane (Joe) Radske of Madison, WI, Heather of Baraboo, WI and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Father E. Dean Purcell.
Funeral services will be be held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 624 East Street, Baraboo on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 11:00 am with Reverend Glen Schmiege officiating. A visitation will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie on Thursday, September 6, 2012 from 4 to 7 pm and at the church on Friday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be held at Walnut Hill Cemetery in Baraboo.
In lieu, of flowers, please make memorials to Agrace HospiceCare of Madison, WI. A tremendous thank you goes out to Dr. KJ Williams at Agrace for her attention to the comfort of her patients and the concern of their families to guide her in her work. Thank you to Dr. Huie and all of the staff at the U.W. Carbone Cancer Center of Madison, WI for their kindnesses to Bob and Connie over the past five years.
Cress Funeral Home
1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie
608-837-9054
www.cressfuneralservice.com