Robert "Bob" Joseph Voss

MIDDLETON - Robert Joseph “Bob” Voss passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He lived life with curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for family, friends and the world around him.

Bob was born on September 26, 1954, the son of Richard and Mary (Acker) Voss. He grew up just outside Middleton, Wis., on a retirement farm, spending countless hours outdoors exploring the woods, fields and outbuildings alongside his brother, Rod, developing a lifelong love of nature, hands-on work and curiosity about how things were built.

Bob attended Middleton High School, where he discovered his love for art, developed a creative eye and revealed a natural talent for working with his hands. He went on to pursue an art degree in college before honing his carpentry skills at his father’s company, Voss Construction. There, he unknowingly received the greatest mentorship of his life-shaping his work ethic and pride which were the foundations that defined his career.

In 1980, during the recession, Bob moved to South Florida, where new opportunities awaited. His Midwestern determination and craftsmanship quickly set him apart, eventually rising to the role of General Superintendent. Over the years, he led many large-scale projects including a U.S. Navy facility in the Bahamas, churches, schools, hospitals and even celebrity mansions.

In 1998, while overseeing the construction of a prison in the Tampa area, Bob met JoAnn Smiarowski-a meeting that forever changed his life. Together they built a life full of love, adventure and shared passions.

Family was central to Bob’s life. He also found immense joy in boating, diving, fishing and traveling coast to coast, especially on cruises with loved ones. In 2005, he began an annual Father’s Day trip to the Florida Keys, a 20-year tradition filled with laughter, fishing and cherished memories with his brother, dad, niece and nephew. These trips became some of the most meaningful moments of his later years.

After retiring in 2009, Bob embraced life fully, becoming a travel agent and exploring the Caribbean and Mediterranean with JoAnn. In 2014, he visited Europe for the first time and was captivated by the architecture, history and intricate details of the buildings-an experience that deeply resonated with both his artistic soul and his appreciation for craftsmanship.

Wherever he went, Bob naturally became everyone’s tour guide, enthusiastically pointing out anything and everything that was “world famous.” He was even able to visit Jim Morrison’s grave in Paris, a man whose creativity and spirit influenced his own appreciation for art, music, expression and living life fully.

Bob will be remembered as a skilled craftsman, devoted partner, loving family man, trusted mentor and loyal friend-a man who built not only remarkable structures, but also meaningful relationships and lasting memories. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the places he built, the art he created and the adventures he shared. Deeply proud of his Wisconsin roots and, above all, his family, he was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan who never missed a game, carrying his team pride with him wherever he went as a lasting connection to home.

Bob is survived by the love of his life, JoAnn Smiarowski; her sons, JJ and Joe; grandsons, Jaren and Jace; his brother, Rod (Rita) Voss; and sister, Annie Voss. He is also survived by his niece, Lindsay (Matt) Temple; nephews, Joey Voss, Bronson Duhr and Dylan Duhr; great-nieces, Charlotte and Isla Temple and Skylar Duhr; great-nephew, Austin Duhr; as well as many cherished cousins and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Mary Voss; sister, Kristi Duhr; and son, Storm Robert Voss.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton, from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026. A burial will follow at Middleton Junction Cemetery.

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

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761