Robert "Bob" Barlow

Robert "Bob" Barlow

August 25, 1957 - November 08, 2022

Obituary

MADISON - Robert “Bob” Barlow, loving husband and father, age 65, passed away suddenly on Nov.8, 2022. He was born in 1957 to Bob and Ruthie Barlow and graduated from LaFollette High School in 1975. Bob married Judy Wagner in 1984 and shortly after they moved to South Florida where they lived for 14 years. Together, they built a warm home full of love and made many happy memories.


Bob spent more than three decades working in the music business selling sheet music for Columbia Pictures, Warner Brothers, and Ward Brodt Music. He loved to sing and play guitar, and in his youth played in the Spring Mountain Band. He made friends wherever he went and told jokes all along the way. Bob was jovial and witty and often had a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He was a creative spirit and loved to make art, crafts and build things. Bob loved to read and was probably Kurt Vonnegut’s biggest fan. He played in the Lake Edge UCC handbell choir and was always in tune.


Bob loved being a dad more than anything. He was an amazing, proud father that taught Sarah and Lauren the importance of kindness and generosity. He was open-minded, patient, and always believed in their strength, capability and intelligence. Bob shared his love for music, art, good books, science and nature with his family. He took them stargazing and birdwatching and built papier-mache pterodactyls. He was always singing or quoting his favorite comedies. He was active in the PTA, coached many seasons of softball, and volunteered at the Henry Vilas Zoo with Lauren.


Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judy (Wagner); daughters, Sarah and Lauren (Dan White, and son Gregory); sisters, Patty and Kathy; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Ed (Sue) Wagner, Chuck (Pam) Wagner, Linda Kelly, Patty (John) Elliott, and Cindy Wagner; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, Francis and June Wagner; brother-in-law, Mike Wagner; and many much-loved aunts and uncles.


A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from at 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for a memorial in Bob’s honor. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


So it goes.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420



Events

19
Visitation
Sat Nov 19, 2022 @ 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
19
Funeral Service
Sat Nov 19, 2022 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
19
Luncheon After Service
Sat Nov 19, 2022 @ 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
No photos of Robert "Bob" have been shared yet.
JC
Jay Custer
Other •
Had not seen Bob in a long time but he had shared advise years ago for my daughter when she was a softball pitcher, was happy to know Bob as a fellow musician and classmate. My condolences to his family and friends, a great loss to all of us. Jay Custer Class of 75
JE
Judy Engel
Other •
Such a wonderful guy! Always a smile and kind word. Our sympathies to the family. Love Judy and John Engel
SP
Steph Pyke
Other •
I knew Bob for only a short time(10 is years) mainly as his bartender. With that being said he had a presence that made me feel like he was at the bar to see me amongst several other's. My main memory without detail is this. He held a strength in basically keeping his own council, keeping other people's lives private in his heart, without judgment with due respect. Rest in peace my friend
DP
Deb Peterson
Other •
Our family loved Bob. He coached my daughter in softball and I can honestly say that he was he one of the best coaches that she played for. He was concerned that all of his players did well, treating them with respect and plenty of encouragement. Rest in peace Bob, we will miss you.
PW
Peggy Walters
Other •
God rest his soul.
KH
Kathy Hoch
Other •
I always enjoyed working with and talking to Bob at Lake Edge UCC. He was a very interesting personb! Kathy Hoch

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