Robert "Bob" J. Statz

Robert J. ”Bob” Statz, age 90, of Waunakee/Lodi, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 24th, 2025. He was born in the Town of Dane on June 25,1935 to John and Margaret (Karls) Statz, the 6th of 13 children in his family.

He attended St. Michael’s School in Dane and Lodi High School before starting to work at an early age with farm families in the area. He met the love of his life, Henrietta Statz at a wedding dance at Smitty’s Hall. In 1955, he joined the US Army and served 2 years of active duty including an extended mission in Okinawa, Japan. Shortly after returning, Bob and Henrietta were married on May 28, 1957, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church in Waunakee.

His passion for farming continued early in their marriage and in 1964 proudly purchased their farm, working side by side with his wife along with raising their family they built a successful career of dairy herd management and agriculture. Bob was an avid hunter, he enjoyed bowling leagues, boating and playing cards with friends and family.

When it was time to leave the farm, Bob and Henrietta built their retirement home in Waunakee where they reside. Retirement made more time for traveling on extended trips in the US, Europe, Mexico and Canada and additional time at the cottage on Lake Wisconsin. Bob and Henrietta joined their children and attended many Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Games over the years as well. Bob was a man of faith and member of St John the Baptist Church in Waunakee serving as an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus and acted as usher and greeter.

Survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Henrietta, daughter, Diane (Keith) Oleson and son, Gary (Lisa) Statz, daughter-in-law, Kate Statz. Grandchildren: Bryan Statz, Eric (Meena) Statz, Kirk (Rachael) Oleson, Dayne Oleson, William Statz and Alex Statz. Step grandchildren: Jesse (Elizabeth) Thill and Jared Thill. Great Grandchildren, Jayavel and Kiran Statz, Chance, Cooper and Theo Thill.

Family was everything to Bob and together they enjoyed many summers at the family cottage on Lake Wisconsin, attending school and sporting events for their children and grandchildren and celebrating annual birthdays and holidays.

He is further survived by his brothers, John (Bambi), Ronald (Cheryl), and Kenneth (Joyce) Statz; his sister, Marilyn Hurtgen; brother-in-law, Cyril (Barb) Statz and Duane Rathert and sister-in-law Shirley Statz along with many dear nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Martha Statz, his beloved son, Richard and infant daughter, Debra. Also preceding him were his siblings, Hilary (Celine), Elaine (Leonard) Ziegler, Philip (Irene), Victor, Betty (Joseph) Endres, Sylvester, Judine (Bill) Wood and David (Darlene), brother-in-law John Hurtgen and sister-in-law Viola Rathert.

Many thanks to the Doctors and Staff at the UW Carbone Center and the Madison VA Clinics for extending Dad’s years and helping him continue to care for our mother.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family (Robert J. Statz Memorial Fund) used for charities of their choosing.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St John’s Catholic Church 209 South St. Waunakee. Friends may call at the Winn-Cress Funeral Home 5785 Hwy Q Waunakee on Friday August 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friends may also call at the church on Saturday form 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.

Please share your memories of "Bob" by posting in his Guestbook.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q Waunakee, WI

(608) 849-4513