Robert Harold `Bob` Brown
Robert Harold `Bob` Brown , Age 73
Robert Harold "Bob" Brown, age 73, of Merrimac passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2020 after a long courageous battle with kidney disease. Robert, son of Alva "Al" and Margaret (Sapin) Brown was born Dec. 17, 1946 in Baraboo. He attended Baraboo Schools and later graduated from Roosevelt Military Academy in 1965 as Battalion Commander, the highest-ranking officer. He furthered his studies at UW- Whitewater then transferring to Madison Business College. In 1965 he met Patti Sorg at Sorg's A & W Rootbeer Stand. She was his carhop and it was love at first sight. They became engaged in 1966. Bob became ill with his first bout of cancer. At a young age he and Patti were united in marriage on Feb. 24, 1968 even though doctors did not expect him to survive his cancer diagnosis. One of the many highlights of their marriage was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows at the Merrimac United Methodist Church as well as a dinner celebration at the Del Bar in February 2018. Bob was the proud owner and operator of Baraboo Concrete Company. He worked at the family business for over 46 years, which is dad founded. He was a proud, generous businessman for the Baraboo Community. He was a member of the WI Ready Mix Association, Baraboo Elk's Club, Merrimac United Methodist Church, and the Owls for the past 49 years. Bob loved spending time with his family. The highlights of the last several years of his life were attending his granddaughters sporting events, camping trips in his motorhome, taking boat rides in his 1938 Chris Craft, restoring Model As in his workshop "Bobbys Hobbies" as well as fixing anything and everything his neighbors and friends would bring his way.
Survivors include his loving wife, Patti; children, Kevin (Kimberly) Brown, Keri Jo (Tom) Luther, Brent (Becky) Brown; five grandchildren, Rebecca Schmidtke, Adrianna (Jacob) McKay, Ethan Schmidtke, Bianca Brown and Bella Brown; four great-grandchildren; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Richard (Alla) Sorg, Sandy (Steve) Stubbendick, and Pat Sorg; as well as other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dennis Brown; brothers-in-law, Gary and Russell Sorg and sister-in-law, Penny Mossman.
A private family service will be held the weekend of July 17, 2020. In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to your favorite charity.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Fresenius Dialysis Center, St. Clare Hospital, St. Marys Hospital, Dr. Carlson and Dr. Song for the wonderful care shown to Bob and his family. The Redlin Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Condolences
Darrell & Carol Potter July 06, 2020
Good friens DeForest , Wisconsin
So, so sorry to hear this, and for the family's BIG loss. He was a great family man, and friend. Will be greatly missed. Our love to all of you.
Phil Kalscheur July 06, 2020
Friend Madison , Wisconsin
Our heartfelt condolences to Patti and the family. We are so sorry.
Susan Pasky July 06, 2020
Family friend Shorewood , Illinois
My heart is aching beyond words for the Brown family! I will forever cherish the many, many fun & happy times I've had with Bob & Patti! My deepest and most sincere sympathies to Kevin, Keri, Brent and families!
Sam and Rachel Frazer July 06, 2020
Friends Verona , Wisconsin
Our deepest and warm sympathies to Patti and family at this time of great loss. Bob was a friend from early childhood. Too many fond, fun, and crazy memories to list, but we shared them together over the years. I will forever miss his big heart, generous spirit and warm smile. Love you, big guy…
Kitty Tyson July 07, 2020
Cousin Middleton , Wisconsin
Becky and Brent, Bella and Bianca, we are so very sorry for the loss of your Father/ father-in-law/Grandfather. We know that you were so close to him and will miss him in your lives.
Ronee Epstein Bergman July 07, 2020
Childhood friend Chicago , Illinois
I was so saddened to read about Bob’s passing. We were childhood friends starting in kindergarten, and I always enjoyed seeing Bob and Patti at our class reunions. My deepest condolences to Patti and family, May his memory be for a blessing...
Janelle Owens July 07, 2020
Friend Madison , Wisconsin
Patti, my sincere condolences to you on the loss of your beloved Bob. He was such a nice person. I felt fortunate to be able to be his classmate and friend. I remember his original diagnosis and I'm so thankful you were able to have so many years together. May you feel the comfort your friends extend to you and your family. It is my hope Bob is at peace now.
Sam and Mary Howard July 07, 2020
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Our deepest sympathy to Patti and family on your loss. Bob has been a great family friend since childhood and we treasure all the great memories. Rest In Peace Bobbie. You will be missed! 💕
ron phillips July 07, 2020
fellow congregant @ MUMC sauk city , Wisconsin
My prayers are with you Patti. Bob's taken care of.
Mike and Diane Capener July 07, 2020
friend Lac du Flambeau , Wisconsin
Patti and family, We were so sorry to hear about Bob. Although I didn't know Bob well, whenever I saw him he always had a smile on his face. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Terri Sorg July 07, 2020
Niece Racine , Wisconsin
Always a warm hug, a joke, or silly remark. My heart goes out to your wonderful bride, as well as the rest of the family. Rest in peace Uncle Bob, you will be remembered always.
Jennifer, Bruce, and Adrienne Crubel July 08, 2020
Friend Baraboo
Our hearts ache that you’ve lost such a wonderful husband, father, and friend. I never saw Bob without a smile on his face and I know he’s leaving you with many happy memories. Our thoughts are with you..
Zachary Laks July 09, 2020
friend Astoria , New York
Sending all my love and energy to you and yours, Patti. Love, Zach Laks
Ann and John Effinger July 09, 2020
classmate, friends Tucson , Arizona
Our condolences to you, Patti, and the entire family. Bob was a great guy and he will be missed. Many good memories......
Mary Lou Lewandowski July 10, 2020
Friend Roswell , Georgia
Patti, I’m so sorry the love of your life has passed. You were such a loving, happy couple. It was written all over your faces. Bob was one of the good guys. Sending you hugs.
John Gruber July 10, 2020
Friend and classmate of Patti Omaha , Nebraska
Patti and Family, So sorry for your loss. It was such I delight to hear what Rachel revealed regarding how involved Bob was in helping others. You had a very special relationship with love as your bond. John
Gary and Jean Wilson July 10, 2020
Friend Stapleton , AL
The best neighbor we ever had. Many great memories. Patti we are heartbroken to hear this sad news. Bob was one of a kind. We were truly blessed to have known him.
David Greenhalgh July 11, 2020
childhood friend UK
Bob, Sam and I teamed up to go trick-or-treating around upper Oak Street one Halloween night in the mid 50’s Bob urged us to go up where old man McFetridge, the woollen mill magnate, had his mansion. ‘He’s rich, and we’ll get a good handout from him†he assured us. So we climbed the steep hill and knocked on the front door. What seemed like a minute passed, and the old man finally opened the door. “Trick or treat!’ we all shouted. He shot back “Get off my property or I’ll sick my dogs on youâ€, which he promptly proceeded to do. Did we run like hell to stay ahead of those dogs barking like crazy after us. Never before or after did I jump so high to just grab the iron bars above the stone boundary wall to just escape being bitten…..farewell, Bobby Brown.
Kelly Johnston July 18, 2020
Family Friend victory heights to lake Wisconsin and beyond PEWAUKEE , Wisconsin
Patti, Kevin, KeriJo and Brent, many of my memories involve all of you! Lofty Pines, biking in the neighborhood, Merrimac and many more (As I write this I am reminded of Gimpy) I cherish these memories and hope to catch up after all this is over. Perhaps another Denver wedding trip. Love to you all. Kelly Johnston (Stubbendick)