Robert L Selvey
April 20, 1935 - July 14, 2020
Obituary
MADISON - Robert L. “Bob” Selvey, age 85, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on April 20, 1935, at St. Mary's Hospital in Clarksburg, W.V., the son of Robert and Mary (Meek) Selvey.
Robert and his family lived In Fairmont, W.V., until August of 1945 and then moved to Washington DC. He and his family remained there until August of 1952 and then they moved to Champaign, Ill., where Bob attended his senior year and graduated from Champaign High School. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and served in the U.S. Army from February 1957 until February 1959. In April of 1961, he moved to Wausau to work in the sales department at the Marathon Corporation which was later purchased by the American Can Company.
On Dec. 29, 1962, Bob married the love of his life, Beverly A. Heinz. On Feb. 27, 1967, he became an account executive for WAOW-TV Ch. 9 in Wausau. On Aug. 4, 1969, he was transferred to WKOW-TV Ch. 27 in Madison where he served as account executive, sales manager, general manager, and V.P. of marketing for the Wisconsin TV Network. On March 5, 1985 he was released from the Wisconsin TV Network due to a buyout and then began working as a general sales manager for WKBT-TV in LaCrosse until Sept. 19, 1986 when another buyout found him without a job. Bob moved back to Madison where he opened Selvey Enterprises, a promotional products distributor on Oct. 1, 1986. He later changed his company name to Ad Specialty Enterprises.
Bob was the past president of the Madison South Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He loved playing golf, watching his grandchildren grow up and attending their activities. He was an avid Badgers, Packers and Brewers fan. He enjoyed being with his friends at Odana Hills, the Princeton Club, his fellow employees and customers at HyVee Supermarket, his past and present Madison area friends and his loyal customers. He always looked forward to seeing his long time Champaign High School friends at their reunions.
Robert is survived by his wife of 57 years, Beverly; three children, Richard (Susan) Selvey, Rhonda (Scott) Arndt, and Rae (Daniel) Carman; seven grandchildren, Connor and Wade Selvey, Preston, Logan and Graham Arndt, and Nicholas and Sarah Carman; and sister, Deborah (Carter) Smith. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Ronald Selvey.
The public may visit with Bob’s family, drive through style, from the comfort and safety of your car at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2020. A private graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Mon Jul 20, 2020 @ 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
Memories
RM
Roger Mann
Other •
I enjoyed many lunch meetings with Bob as we worked together at WKOW-TV in the 60's. He was always in a gregarious mood and could lend considerable lightness to a conversation...I was so sorry to learn of Bob's illness and his death....God rest in peace...Roger Mann
PE
Patrick Elliott
Other •
I first met Bob in 1979 when I was umpiring youth baseball in Madison. Bob was coaching his son, Rick's team. His easy-going and supportive demeanor made the experience fun for the kids and parents alike. I know he was my favorite coach that summer. Four years later he created a sales position for me at WKOW. It was the start of a 33 year career in media sales and it all happened because Bob was willing to give me a chance to prove myself. And thanks to his unwavering support, I finally was able to figure out what I wanted to do when I grew up. I owe a debt of gratitude to Bob for a lot of things. I am glad I was able to tell him that at our WKOW reunion last August. My thoughts and prayers are with the Selvey family. I am thankful that your grandfather, dad and husband went out of his way to help me get my career kickstarted. He was a genuinely kind soul.
LG
Lois Grans
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers to Beverly and family at
this difficult time.
Bob will be missed by his friends at Prairie Park.
A caring person ,liked by all who knew him.
The Wednesday Bingo group won’t be the same without him.
TS
Terry Shockley
Other •
I have many memories of Bob including Golf, Hunting, Cars, and of course Business. My favorite business story centers around a time when we were working together at the Big 27. Bob was always a lead seller and for a period of time encountered a rough patch. So, I suggested to Bob that we meet on a Saturday morning and review a plan for recovery. We were seated at the Conference Table and I looked over at Bob and said what should be our plan to reverse this trend.,Bob reached into his Sport Coat pocket and presented a list of 25 accounts with notes. He said I started this AM making personal calls on these accounts with suggestions on how working together could produce greater profits for the business. I said, seems to me you have it figured out, let’s go for coffee and a brownie! We departed the building, and Bob worked that list with great accomplishment. Always positive, client oriented, and simply said, a good person. Memories last forever.
BF
Beth Flory
Other •
It is with much sadness to have to say goodbye to a good friend. Bob and Bev have been close friends for so many years. Condolences to Bev Rick Rhonda and Rae and your families. With love, Beth Flory
PM
Phil & Donna Matteson
Other •
I am so saddened to lose a long-time friend. Bob was an usher at my wedding in 1959 when I married Donna. Today, more than ever, I am so grateful that Bob and Bev drove down from Madison to attend our 60th wedding anniversary dinner party last November in Champaign, IL. That was the last time I saw Bob. Best regards to Bev and the family.
Love,
Phil (CHS 1953) and Donna Matteson
Champaign, IL