Robert Widholm

SILVER SPRING, MD/MADISON/ MILWAUKEE- Robert Joseph "Bob" Widholm of Silver Spring, Md., passed away from complications arising from pneumonia, on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at 12:05 p.m., while surrounded by family and friends. Bob was born on Oct. 8, 1927, in Chicago, to Robert Axel and Edna Lillian (Harnstrom) Widholm. He was raised in Madison, and graduated from Madison East High School in 1946. Bob was a regular attendee at his high school reunions; most recently his 70th class reunion in July of 2016. He served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserve. In 1947 Bob and his high school friend, Gil Dollard became the owners of Four Lakes Boat Company. Bob sold his share of the business in 1951, and moved to Milwaukee to work in the elevator business, a career he maintained until his retirement in 1989. He married Carol Lynn Carnes on May 28, 1955, at his parent's home in Madison, they remained married until Carol's passing in 1988. Bob is survived by his sister, Joan Hemberger of Madison; four children; Robert (Vicki) Widholm of Sussex, Judith Downey of Silver Spring, Md., John (Diana) Widholm of Charleston, S.C., and Matthew Widholm of Westminster, Colo.; grandchildren, Robert (Jennifer) Widholm, Nicholas (Tara) Widholm, Brandon Widholm, Carol Downey, Andrew Downey, Jacob Downey, Calvin Widholm, and Brett Widholm; great-grandchildren, Penelope Widholm, Joshua Widholm, Rebekah Widholm, and Noah Widholm. Bob was an immensely devoted and loving father and grandfather, known for his generosity and his easy-going personality. He has quietly, and without any desire for recognition, influenced the lives of many people over his 89 years on God's earth. He will be missed by all who have come to know him. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. Interment to follow at Roselawn Memory Gardens. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420