On Saturday, July 27th, 2024, Robert (Bob) J Campbell, 67, loving husband to wife Heidi, son of Cail and Judy (Roelke) Campbell, and brother to Bill and Beth passed away. Bob and Heidi had spent their last day together enjoying a belated anniversary before he died unexpectedly that night.
Bob was born on April 8, 1957, in Madison, Wisconsin at what was then Madison General Hospital and now Meriter Hospital (significant as this is where Bob and Heidi met). Bob graduated from Lake Mills High School Class of 1975. Bob excelled in Track & Field and was a WIAA State Track & Field contender multiple times. The summer of 1975 following his high school graduation Bob was invited to compete in the Junior Olympics in Europe. This of course was a new experience for Bob as at that time he was accustomed to running the 220- and 440-yard dash as well as the 880 and mile relay. In Europe he competed in the 200 meter and 400 meter which converts to a shorter distance by 18 & 37 yards respectively. A few years later the US transitioned from yards to meters. Bob liked to joke he will always hold the 440-yard dash record in Lake Mills. Bob returned from the Junior Olympics with many fond memories of this experience and of the friends he made at that time.
Bob spent most of his career in the IT world, had a Bachelor's degree in Computer Sciences from Kennedy-Western University and a Masters Certificate in Applied Project Management from Villanova University, Certified Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute and Certified Professional Business Analyst from George Washington University. Bob was just beginning to wind down his career and planned to retire by the end of 2024 at WPS where he managed the Disaster Recovery Program.
Bob loved life. One of his greatest passions was tending to his almost 40 acres of property. You could find him many days out on his John Deere tractor working the land, his gardens, and his horrible driveway. There was nothing he could not do when he set his mind to it. Bob also enjoyed golf; he would have golfed every day if able. He traveled to many different countries. In later years he traveled with his wife Heidi and brother Bill and his wife Brenda to Scotland, one of his favorite places to visit.
Bob was a very special soul. He could mingle and make friends with anyone. He liked to engage in discussion and learn from others. He showed genuine interest in what others had to share with him and what he could learn from others. He loved nature and he loved animals. There was not a time he was without a dog and almost always chose the one that was the most needing of love, which was always given right back to him.
Bob and Heidi were married May 30th, 1992, and shared 32 years of love and friendship together. Bob loved both sides of his family so very much. He was so proud of the accomplishments of his brother Bill and sister Beth. He had a close relationship with his niece and nephew and was always close with his mom and so proud of all she did to raise her children while working multiple jobs. He adopted Heidi's family as if they were his own. He gladly accepted the responsibility of being a dog rescue dad and caring for all the oddities and quirks a rescue can bring.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Cail, his maternal and paternal grandparents, an Aunt Debbie, and Uncle Clarence, Uncle Jim, Aunt Mona, Aunt Mana. He is survived by his wife, Heidi, his mother, Judy, his brother Bill (Brenda), sister Beth (Mike), nieces Cassi (Brian), nephew Ryan (Suzanne), great nieces Jossi and Maddy, great nephew Owen, Godmother and Aunt Joan, Uncle Dave (Sharon), Uncle Tom (Mona), Aunt Lori (John), Uncle James (Pam), multiple cousins and his dogs Harlee and Zak.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Claussen Funeral Home in Lake Mills. A Celebration of Bob's Life will follow at the Waterloo Legion building, 9250 Hwy 89, just south of Waterloo.
Bob will leave a big empty hole in all our hearts but his spirit will soar on.
We ask that in lieu of flowers or money, you please donate time or donations to nature, an animal rescue of your choice (Bob liked Illinois Doberman rescue where some of his dogs came from and the Dane County Humane Society), or even to consider rescuing an animal in need.
www.claussenfuneralhome.com
