Robert "Bob" Vanderpan

OREGON / STOUGHTON - Robert I. “Bob” Vanderpan, age 79, of Oregon, Wis., passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026. He was born in Baldwinsville, N.Y. to Irving G. Vanderpan and Margaret “Peggy” (Francis) Vanderpan. He was the younger brother to sisters Elaine and Karen.

Bob earned an electrical engineering degree at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wis., in 1970. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Marquette, attended officer training and was stationed at Grissom Air Force Base near Peru, Ind., as an Air Force pilot. He flew tanker refueling missions and flights to secure the nuclear "black box" codes for Air Force generals. He was honorably discharged as a captain from the Air Force.

Bob was united in marriage to Marilyn (Idle) Vanderpan in 1975 in Lafayette, Ind. They settled in Stoughton, Wis., where Bob worked briefly for Johnson Controls and then as a technical sales engineer for Warman International (now Weir Minerals) for more than 30 years.

Bob had a deep appreciation for vintage machinery and craftsmanship. He especially enjoyed collecting classic automobiles, with a particular fondness for Corvairs and Fieros. Among his prized vehicles were an Oldsmobile convertible and an antique Allis-Chalmers tractor that had once belonged to his father. His interests extended well beyond automobiles. Bob also collected Singer sewing machines, kerosene lamps, candlestick telephones, and glass motor oil cans. He had a strong fascination with historic sound and music, which was reflected in his love of pipe organs and circus calliopes, and he proudly owned a Victrola.

In quieter moments, Bob enjoyed researching family genealogy, taking great interest in preserving and understanding his family’s history. He had a lifelong love of music and shared his talents as a trumpet player in the Marquette University Marching Band. He later continued his musical involvement for several years with the Oregon Community Band in Oregon, Wis. He was an active member of Stoughton United Methodist Church, where he also formerly served as a trustee.

Bob was known for his friendly nature and welcoming spirit, as well as his genuine sense of humor, which brought joy to those around him. He travelled extensively throughout the world as a technical sales engineer and valued the friendships he made with the work colleagues he met in the Netherlands, South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Canada and India.

Bob was a skilled and creative woodworker who took great pride in making items for his home and for his grandchildren. His many handcrafted creations reflected both his talent and his love for family. Among them were quilt hangers, a quilt rack and ladder, a pedestal table, a custom door for a spice shelf, and a wall-mounted spice rack and paper towel holder-featuring a glass door made by his sister-in-law, Marsha. He also crafted a music cabinet and music stand, spool holders, step stools, a rocking horse, a cradle, a decorative wooden sleigh, personalized wooden puzzles bearing his grandchildren’s names, trash cabinets, a writing desk, and many other pieces that will be cherished for years to come.

Robert is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughter, Erin (Brian) Ruppert; grandchildren, Kalie and Isaac Ruppert; sister, Elaine Lanning; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Irving Vanderpan and Margaret Vanderpan; and sister, Karen Barber.

A funeral service will be held at STOUGHTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 525 Lincoln Ave., Stoughton, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday.

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

Gunderson Stoughton

Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590