Robert A. McCann

MADISON - Robert Allen McCann, age 92, of Madison, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at All Saints Assisted Living, joining his beloved wife, Donna, and daughters, Deborah and Diana, in eternal peace. He was born on May 22, 1932, to Leo and Dorthea (Schluter) McCann.

A proud graduate of Madison Central High School, Dad often spoke with great affection about his childhood in the Greenbush neighborhood. He treasured the memories of his youth, including summers spent camping with neighborhood kids at the arboretum, and a particularly fond recollection of keeping butter cool in the creek under watercress. As a young man, Dad worked as a pinsetter at the local bowling alley and as a paperboy, hopping on the Milwaukee and Chicago commuter trains on his daily rounds, plus stopping at the hospital to sell newspapers along the way.

Dad married Donna Jean Helleckson on October 4, 1952, at St. Raphaels Church, just before serving his country in the Korean War. Upon his return, he completed an apprenticeship in carpentry, emerging as a master cabinetmaker, and dedicated 30 years to doing maintenance at Hilldale Shopping Center through his company, Randd Corporation.

Additionally, Dad and Mom purchased their home on Allis Avenue, where they built a full life together. Their home became a sanctuary where everyone was welcome to have fun, a space filled with laughter and camaraderie that nurtured a sense of belonging. It was a place where kids, grandkids, siblings and friends alike gathered to enjoy good times and create lasting memories. They later relocated to All Saints Senior Apartments where they lived for over 18 years.

Throughout their lives, Dad and Mom shared a love of travel, traveling to Alaska and Hawaii and spending 12 winters in Lake Havasu, Arizona, where he could enjoy his favorite pastime: golf. He continued to play until the age of 87. In addition to golfing, Dad enjoyed fishing, hunting, trips to Ho-Chunk for a bit of fun betting on the horses and long car rides to discover new places.

After Mom’s passing, Dad was blessed to meet Sandy at All Saints. Their companionship brought him great joy, and they were truly fortunate to watch out for each other, sharing time for a cocktail and good conversation regularly.

Robert is survived by his children and grandchildren, Diana’s children, Bob Holland, Bill Holland, Debbie Merwin, Denise Mueller, Nicole and Christina; Bobbi Leen, Melissa and Michelle; Rhonda (Greg) Ploessl, Spencer, Corinn and Cassandra; Lisa McCann (Mike Frank), Jake, Chad, Tiffany, Brandon and Dana; Tommy (Lori) McCann, Sawyer and Tayler; and Tammy (Mikey) Korlesky, Tanna. He is also survived by a ‘gang’ of great-grandchildren; and his last remaining sibling, brother, Mick.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna; daughters, Deborah and Diana; son-in-law, Charlie Mueller; parents, Leo and Dorthea; brothers, Pat, Tep, Leo, Ron, Gordon, Jack and Sydney; sisters, Donna Jean Crawford, Dodo Vigdal and Rosemary Leonhardt; and his in-laws, Carmen and Clara Helleckson.

A Memorial Mass will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday. A luncheon will follow the burial at Marian Hall at IHM on Wednesday.

Memorial contributions in Robert’s name may be made to St. Jude’s, Agrace HospiceCare or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

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