Robert Adolph Fuerstenberg (Bob), 81, of Fort Atkinson, WI passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023 at Our House Senior Living, in Whitewater. Bob was born May 5, 1942 in Elkhorn, WI, to the late Arthur and Jeannette Bogie Fuerstenberg. His engaging smile and friendly outgoing personality will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, David. He is survived by his daughters, Deanna Salazar, Tennessee and Shawn Schwab, Fort Atkinson. Granddaughters, Analise Salazar, Tennessee and Kassidy Roth, Fort Atkinson. His brother, James (Louise), Bill (Marilyn) and niece and nephews, Ron (Kris), Dan (Debbie), Tim (Debbie), Brian (Cheri), Sharyl (Tom Smith), Monica (Scott) Edmonston), Doug (Kristen Wild). As well as many great nieces and nephews and many of his close friends and neighbors.
Bob spent his childhood and school years in Whitewater. Along with his friends he joined the Army National Guard after high school in 1960. His service with the Guards was cut short with a medical discharge after a farming accident.
Bob worked for several years as a short order cook at the Main Cafe. Soon his desire to work and repair cars started him on his lifelong career, first at Dick’s Shell Station, owning and operating Bob’s Service for many years and finally retiring from Frawley Oil as a mechanic. Even though Bob worked his whole life in Whitewater, he resided in Fort Atkinson. He said he could drive Highway 12 blindfolded and we think he sometimes did.
The family will always recall Bob’s famous potato salad with a special ingredient that he never shared. It was a favorite at family gatherings. His niece and nephews enjoyed an impromptu wrestling match to see who could take Uncle Bob down. They enjoyed many pool games and dart games while admiring his many beer signs.
Bob will be remembered as an honest, outgoing, fun loving, friendly, caring person, who always had a smile for you. He was humble when it came to his car repairing knowledge; if he repaired your car, you knew it was going to run. He was a sought-after mechanic by his many customers.
Thank you to the staff at Our House Senior Living and Rainbow Hospice for the care that was given Bob on his last journey.
A Celebration of Bob’s life will be on September 30, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This gathering will provide an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate him at his favorite place, Soup’s On in Fort Atkinson.
Come and share your stories and the good times you had with Bob on his life journey.
