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

Robert "Bob" Barlow

August 25, 1957 - November 08, 2022

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