Robert James Hargraves

MADISON - Robert James “Bob” Hargraves of McFarland, Wis., passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. Bob was born on July 3, 1939, in Oshkosh, Wis., and was the second of three children. Bob was a supportive and loving husband, father and grandpa, and could be seen cheering at every sporting event or function.

On June 28, 1957, Bob joined the United States Navy as a Sonarman. During his time in the Navy, he enjoyed being a part of the Navy basketball and horseshoe teams as well as the Naval Firing Squad. After the Navy, in 1960, Bob attended UW Platteville and in two years, earned his master’s degree in teaching (Instructing) Industrial Arts and worked within the Madison School District for many years until he retired in 1996.

Bob enjoyed many hobbies including playing softball and bowling, and he started his own screen-printing business, Hargraves Imprints. He was a member of the Lions Club and Lifetime Member of the McFarland American Legion. During his time with the American Legion and Lions Club he volunteered countless hours bringing happiness and improvements to his community. He was known to be seen in local parades as a "Happy Whistler," for which his wife, Sue, painted more bellies than she ever imagined. He created "Basic Bob's Badger Bunch," who would enjoy Saturday Badgers football games together.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Sue; daughters, Kelly Hargraves Schoeller and Katie Vesperman; daughter-in-law, Penny Hargraves; grandkids, Brittney Hargraves, Keegan Schoeller, Emily Schoeller, Mackenzie Schoeller, Anabelle Vesperman and Mac Michael Vesperman; step-son, Joe Becker (Stephanie); step-grandchildren, Maddie McCourt (Timothy), Corey Becker, Hailey Hall (Jacob), Dakota Becker and Riley Becker; and great-grandchildren, Austin Hall and Amelia Hall. He was preceded in death by his mother, Madge Stapleton; brothers, Jerry Hargraves and Tom Hargraves; and his son, Timothy Hargraves.

His loving wife, Sue, would like to extend gratitude to the Interim Hospice Caregivers for their outstanding care and support given to Bob and his family during this time.

Visitation will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with a service beginning at 12:30 p.m. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park, 401 Femrite Drive, Monona, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the McFarland American Legion Post 534, McFarland, Wis., or the Wounded Warrior Foundation.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420