Robert A. Bong
February 06, 1935 - February 19, 2020
Obituary
MIDDLETON / ASHTON – Robert Adam “Bob” Bong, age 85, of Middleton/Ashton, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, after a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on Feb. 6, 1935, in the Township of Berry, the son of John and Anna Bong. He married Patricia Mash on March 21, 1969, and they enjoyed their 26 years together, always welcoming family and friends to their lake cottages.
Bob started his own business, Robert A. Bong Excavating, with his sons Dennis and David in 1969, and he was involved until his retirement in 2011. Bob had a strong faith and was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Church in Ashton. His primary devotion, though, was to his family. He was a cornerstone in creating an incredibly close family. He spent his summers boating and skiing with children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and friends. Bob’s other passion in life was music. He played in two bands, The Alpine Brass and The Travelons, and his music was enjoyed by many. He also enjoyed traveling in his motor home and flying his ultralite airplane.
Bob is survived by his children, Dennis (Nancy) Bong, David (Robin) Bong, Pamela (Tim) McCarthy and William Mash; grandchildren, Daniel (Stacy) Bong, Amanda (Robby) Lehr, Cory (Sara) Acker, Sara (Ian) Allen, Caitlin (Brian) Esser, David Bong and Nicole Bong; great-grandchildren, Gracyn, Hudson and Isla Lehr, Declan and Oakley Allen and Makenzie and Morgan Bong; siblings, Anna Mae Koeppel, Eddie Bong, Kenny (Linda) Bong, Butch Bong, Mary Ann (Gordon) Ring and Roger (Cindy) Bong; and many nieces and nephews. He had a special place in his heart for his companion, Nancy Pellmann, and his nieces, Shana, Angela, Brittany and Michelle. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Patricia; son, Robert (Bobby); and brother, Gerry.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7121 County Road K, Ashton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, with Father Chris Gernetzke presiding. Burial will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery in Ashton. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, and also at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
Special thanks to Cindy Bong for all of her love, support and guidance during these past few years. The team at Agrace HospiceCare was also invaluable for helping us navigate Bob’s journey. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Robert's name to the family to be placed at various charities at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
Events
Visitation
Thu Feb 27, 2020 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Middleton • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Visitation
Fri Feb 28, 2020 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Peter's Catholic Church of Ashton • 7121 County Road K, Middleton, WI 53562
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri Feb 28, 2020 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Peter's Catholic Church of Ashton • 7121 County Road K, Middleton, WI 53562
Photos
Memories
RK
Robert C. Klinger
Other •
It is with deep sympathy to hear the passing of Bob, a fellow musician and wonderful friend.
Our years together as the "Travelon's" were the best times any group of musicians could have. From the beginning, friendship and meeting wonderful people while performing was priceless.
Bob will truly be missed.
Bob and Ann Klinger
BM
Bill Mash
Other •
Shared a photo.
FT
Fred Teitgen
Other •
Bob Bong and his extended family have been neighbors on Lake Wisconsin for 28 years. We have gotten to know Bob and his family quite well and it is an inspiration to witness the Bong's large but orderly and fun loving gatherings. I have gotten to know his son Dennis particularly well and will often engage in wide ranging discussions during cocktail hour. The second year we owned our cottage in 1983 nine inches of rain fell in a few hours and many yards or soil were washed from the hills above into our driveway, the lake, garage and even inside the cottage. Bob was gracious enough to come over with this excavation equipment and remove most of the materials.
J
Julie
Other •
This is Bob’s parrot. Bob told great stories about this parrot but he loved it when they shared hickory nuts by the fire in the winter. I’ll do my best to care for him with all the love Bob did. Julie
RF
Robert Frank
Other •
Bob was a great man, he was very generous and a pleasure to be around. We drank red white and blue beer together, played uecker and had alot of fun at all of his properties with the Stucki's....those were the days
BK
Bob and Ann Klinger
Other •
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss of Robert. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.