Robert Charles Fuerstenberg
January 29, 1941 - July 26, 2016
Obituary
MADISON-Robert Charles "Sparky" Fuerstenberg, age 75, of Madison, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. He was born Jan. 29, 1941, in Lancaster, Wis., the son of Clarence and Clara (Cogan) Fuerstenberg. Robert married Susanna Bussan on May 4, 1968. He was a graduate of St. Clement Parish School and Lancaster High School. Robert served four years in the U.S. Air Force abroad, and returned to Wisconsin to become an electrician and lifelong member of IBEW Local 159. He did electrical construction for 10 years in the Madison area then electrical maintenance for 30 years with the State of Wisconsin. Sparky loved spending time with family, relatives, friends and nature. He achieved his two lifelong goals: sending his children to college and designing and building a house. For over four decades, Robert and Susanna volunteered on various committees and activities with St. Dennis Parish. Robert is survived by his wife, Susanna; sons, Gary (Kelly Tharaldson) of Meriden, Conn., and Denis (Jenny Schaefer) of Columbus, Wis.; daughter, Jill (deceased fiancée, Aaron O'Brien) of Minneapolis Minn.; grandchildren, Collin, Luke, John, Kathryn Rose, Matthew and Morgan; siblings, Judith Fuerstenberg, Mary Jane Link, Margaret (Ron) Diehl, Faye (Jim) Morse, and Beth (Al) Stenner; and Susanna's siblings, Bernadette (Neil) Spurr, Ronald (Michelle) Bussan, and Jerome Bussan. He was predeceased by his parents; and Susanna's parents, Clem and Leola Bussan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Randy Timmerman at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, at 2 p.m., on Friday, July 29, 2016. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, July 28, 2016, and at the church from 1 p.m. until the time of the Mass on Friday. Burial will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Mass or memorials may be made to St. Dennis, Madison or St. Jerome, Columbus Wis., and The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave, 5th floor, Norwalk, CT. 06851. A special thank you to the staffs at UW Carbone Cancer Center, Dean Clinic Hematology/Oncology Center, and Agrace HospiceCare. Bob's sisters thank Susanna for her enduring love and devotion she gave to Bob throughout their life together and at this most difficult time. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Jul 28, 2016 @ 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Fri Jul 29, 2016 @ 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri Jul 29, 2016 @ 2:00 PM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Robert have been shared yet.
Memories
CU
Cindi Umstadt
Other •
Dear Denis & family - I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your father, grandfather. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathy-
Cindi Umstadt
LC
Lori Ann Curley
Other •
Mr. (& Mrs.) Fuerstenberg always were so kind and helpful to the students and staff at St. Dennis. They volunteered so much of their time and were longtime fixtures next to my parents: Fritz & Mary Hewuse. Thank you so much for teaching by example what Christian service really is about! I'm sorry that I'll not be able to attend the wake and funeral, but you all will be in my thoughts and prayers.
-Lori Ann Curley (nee Hewuse)
SW
Sandy Weiden
Other •
Susanna,
We are so sorry at your loss of Bob. We will be praying for you as you go through this tremendous time of adjustment. Bob is at peace with his Lord and we pray that you will also find comfort with God and your family at your side.
Sandy and Mike Weiden
BW
Barb Wulf
Other •
I am a Lancaster classmate of Beth's and I just want to express my sympathy to the entire Fuerstenberg family for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
BP
Brenda P.
Other •
Susanna, I wish I would have known while taking care of Bob in the chemo clinic that he was from Lancaster. Let alone that his parents were Clarence & Clara. They were our neighbors across the street from my family home growing up. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He was a pleasure to care for and will be missed.