Robert Allen Bean

MADISON - Robert Allen Bean was born in 1932 in East Troy, Wis., to Ivan Bean and Anna (Wheeler) Bean. He passed away in Madison, Wis., on November 10, 2025.

The son of a Methodist minister, Robert spent his childhood alongside four brothers (Ivan, Ernie, Don, Larry) and a sister (Luella). The family lived in Randolph, Brandon and Beloit, Wis., where he graduated from Beloit High School in 1950. After high school, he worked at Wright and Wagner Dairy and loved to tell about his jobs there, putting sticks into popsicles, making ice cream deliveries and eating a pint of ice cream for lunch. His work there helped pay for his studies in Economics at Beloit College where he also earned his Wisconsin teaching license and met his beloved wife, Mary (Moffatt) Bean. They shared their lives until her death in 2020.

He started his teaching career in Albany, Wis., in 1956, and a chance meeting with fellow Beloit alum, Dutch Durnford, led to his move to Monona Grove High School in 1961. In addition to his teaching there, he served as a union leader, assisted in the AV department, maintained the soda machine in the teachers’ lounge, worked the “chain gang” and other roles at football games, and scouted conference basketball teams for the athletic department. He greatly enjoyed his collegial relationships and participated in an ongoing lunchtime Sheepshead game which continued into his retirement years. He and Mary hosted a social studies department party on election night every four years, either cheering or groaning at the end of the night. In the 1980’s, he was one of three MGHS teachers profiled in a scholarly book about high school administration and teaching styles. He could be recognized at MGHS with reminder notes clipped in his tie clip and a box of papers under his arm. During his first few years of teaching he earned a master's degree in counseling psychology at UW-Madison.

Around 1970, he was part of the group that formed the Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society in order to save the historic Dean House at the corner of Dean Avenue and Monona Drive. This successful effort led to many years as president of the HBGHS. Of the many fund-raising activities that the group undertook to restore the house, most notable was the Winter Horse-drawn Vehicle Rally, known as the Sleigh Rides, which he ran for 25 years. He also initially ran the ongoing Back Porch Concert Series. Over the years he enjoyed impersonating president Lincoln in a stovepipe hat and tailcoat.  

Bob Bean’s endless curiosity knew no bounds. He believed in lifelong learning, participating in a great books discussion group and the world futures society. Another focus was conservation. He and Mary were early advocates of renewable energy, and after installing solar panels, he called himself “Solar Bob Bean.” In the 2000’s he was an active member of the “Green Team” at First United Methodist Church in Madison.

He loved talking to people, telling stories and was known for his jovial outlook. He believed that laughter is the best medicine and said, “I have more fun than the average bear.” His most recent catchphrase when asked how he was doing was, “I’m fine and dandy, cotton candy!”. All the Agrace and Capitol Lakes caregivers knew him by this cheerful response. He always said he was sustained by music (classical and jazz), and dark chocolate.

Of his many accomplishments, he was most proud of being a founding member of the Albany Civic Parks and Recreational Development Corp, a group formed to purchase and preserve a wooded area in Albany to prevent it from being developed. They later donated the land to the village as a public park.

Robert is survived by his children, Ron Bean and Marcia Bean (Mr. Dominique Boucher); grandson, Emerson Rhoads; step-granddaughters, Elise and Isabelle Boucher; brother, Larry; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Senior Helpers of Madison, Capitol Lakes, and Agrace Hospice for their excellent care and service.

A celebration of life is planned for summer, 2026 at the Dean House in Monona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society, www.historicbloominggrove.org or the Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org/en-us/.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420