Robert Edward Shields

COTTAGE GROVE - Robert Edward “Bob” Shields, age 76, of Cottage Grove, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. He was born on September 11, 1948, in Madison to Robert George and Lorraine Helen (Houser) Shields.

Robert graduated from East High School in 1967 and went on to attend Madison Area Technical College. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967-1971, completing one tour in Vietnam. Upon completion of his military service, he worked as a government contractor in California before moving to Wisconsin. He married Kristine “Kris” Ann (Younger) in Madison on October 14, 1978.

Bob worked for A&S Sales and Sears where he found all the best deals for his collection of outdoor grills. He was also a Lifetime Member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and VFW Post 7591.

“Uncle” Bob spent his time traveling with Kris and their friends to Branson, MO and Oneida, WI for a day at the casino and to Las Vegas for the Eagles convention. However, his true passion was working the grills or in his kitchen cooking from scratch and teaching grandnieces and nephews how to cook.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Kristine; son, Steven; grandson, Cody; sisters, Penny, Merrysue and Dawn; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Marylou, Bonnie, Lynn, Debbie, Robin and Sally (Dale); brothers-in-law, Donald (Gladys), James, Mark and Ron; nieces, Maria (Charles), Shelly and Daniella (Jeremy); nephews, Dale, Tony and CJ; grandnieces, Jessica (Christopher) and Ally; great-grandniece, Morgan; and his dogs, Harley and Lucy. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patty; mother-in-law, Mary Younger; and great-grandniece, Ainsley Eden.

We would like to thank Jason at the Madison Veterans Center in Madison, all of the nurses and doctors at the Madison VA Hospital and the Deer-Grove EMS and Nicole and Chelsea from St. Croix for their compassionate care.  

Military Honors followed by a celebration of life will be held at VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, August 2, 2025, with Pastor Nate Krause presiding. A visitation will be held at the VFW from 10 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