Robert Eugene King, Sr.

Robert Eugene King Sr. - “Bob” - Age 87, passed away on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, following a six-year battle with lung cancer. Born in Menomonie on Feb. 8, 1934, Bob was the son of the late Ralph and Edna (Woinowski) King. He attended local schools and graduated from Menomonie High School, where he met his future bride. Bob married Judith Ann Marion (Larson) on June 19, 1954, and together they raised five sons. Early on, Bob served several years in the National Guard and later became very involved in his church and community. A few months after their first son was born, they moved to Kaukauna in January 1956 when Bob started working at Giddings & Lewis Machine Tool Company. He enjoyed a four-decade career with G&L, providing for his family and displaying a strong work ethic for his sons, rarely missing a day of work. Among his jobs were serving as a draftsman/designer, parts manager and data processing supervisor. He retired in 1996 after 40 years of loyal service. Bob and Judy were longtime members of Bethany Lutheran Church. He served as a Sunday School Director for many years and later as a church financial secretary and trustee. Along the way they were blessed with a wonderful group of church families who remained lifelong friends. Those relationships were forged during many years of church involvement, Scouting, and camping trips with their families. Bob was also a proud member of the Kaukauna Kiwanis Club, serving as the club’s secretary for several years, helping organize its annual Christmas tree sales and developing a reputation as a handyman who could fix almost anything. With his drafting skills and woodworking talents, Bob could envision a project – such as additions/expansions to their first home or removing a wall and window to build a large deck on their second home – draw it on graph paper and then make it become reality. Among his many woodworking projects were attractive, wooden keepsake boxes he made for his daughters-in-law and many birdhouses that he gave away. He enjoyed sports, playing catch with a baseball, softball or football with his sons and occasionally taking to the driveway to display his exceptional basketball shooting skills. Bob also devoted 25 years to serving on the Kaukauna Utilities Commission, helping to guide the municipal electric utility and its hugely beneficial hydroelectric water power assets. After his retirement, he often joined Judy in volunteering at Loaves & Fishes food pantry. Bob leaves to cherish his memory: his beloved wife of nearly 67 years: Judy; his sons: Steve (Gerry) King, Michael (Donna) King, Dennis (Edie) King, Dave (Kim) King and Bob Jr. (Krista Trempe) King; his grandchildren: Kevin (Nicole) King, Michaela (Caleb) Lyon; Ryan (Jess) McDonald, Kristen (Aaron) Techlin; Kellis and Kandace King; Daniel and Ellie King; Levi, Samantha and Evan King; as well as his great-grandchildren: Bentley, Aubrey, Charlotte and Emily King; Sophie, Sam and Max McDonald; and Jocelyn and James Techlin. Bob is further survived by his sister: Sandy (Victor) Christianson, Menomonie, and his sisters-in-law: Venus King, Brainerd, Minn.; Mary (Kas) Pleskach, Franklin, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his siblings: James (Ruth) King, Richard (first wife Sharon and second wife Carol) King, Gerald King, William King and his sister lost in childhood, Marlys King. A memorial visitation for Bob will be held on Friday, March 26, from 10-11 a.m. at BETHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH (124 W. Tenth St., Kaukauna). A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. with Pastor Rod Krueger officiating. A live-streaming of the service will be available through the Bethany Lutheran Church’s Facebook page. Final rest for Bob will be private. A memorial fund is being established in his memory. The family thanks the St. Paul Elder Services Villa and Nursing Home staff and hospice team members for their great care and service.

Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home, 101 Canal St., Little Chute, WI 54140, 920-788-3321, www.verkuilenfh.com