Robert "Bob" William Evans Jr.

COTTAGE GROVE - Robert “Bob” William Evans Jr., born on December 31, 1944, in Milwaukee, Wis., passed away peacefully from dementia on September 23, 2025. Bob joined the Lord the way he lived his life, surrounded by family and friends, laughter and stories.

If you knew Bob, you knew his zest for life and passion for travel and excitement. He worked on the Alaskan pipeline in the 1970s, enjoyed many weekends downhill skiing with his children and friends, built and flew his own plane (including surviving a few crashes), and sailed and traveled the seas on his sailboat, Sabbatical. He raced cars, motorcycles and jet skis, trained dogs (winning numerous awards over the years), and spent weekends at his cabin four wheeling, jet skiing, tubing and snowmobiling. He also frequently travelled and explored the countryside and rural parts of Mexico, and he wintered at his home in Arizona.

In Bob’s later years, after a stroke rendered him homebound, his family considered it a blessing that dementia allowed him to continue his travels, and boy did he travel! He had tea with the Queen, was on the front lines in Ukraine (even keeping a rocket blaster in the bed of his truck), traveled on a train through Europe with Johnny Depp, fished off of his deck in Alaska and even made the 2024 Olympics in France. Despite Bob’s health leaving him with life-altering changes, in his mind, his travels never ceased, and he continued embracing what he always knew and loved - adventure!

Despite a thirst for a thrill, Bob had an unrivaled work ethic. He was a lifetime member of Steamfitters Local 601 and was the best welder in the world. He built countless homes (including for his children), started Evans Properties with his wife and worked tirelessly building and managing his own rental properties. In the 1980s, he helped found the first BMX track at Sycamore Park in Madison and was a mentor to any young person who showed an interest in learning about any of his numerous hobbies and interests. As busy as Bob was, he always had time to help a friend and would drop anything to be there for his children.

Bob was a loving husband, devoted father and the best grandfather a group of grandkids could ask for, imparting his thirst for adventure with each and every grandchild. He is survived by his sister, Maureen (Mike) Rebatzke; his children, Susan Gerber, William (Peggy) Evans, Katherine (Richard) Fleming and Mary (John) McMillan; 11 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; daughter-In-law, Janis Elmer; devoted family friend, Susy Launder; and all of the angels who cared for him with love and compassion until the very end, with a special thanks to Sue Chisman, Cyrina Talbot and Agrace Hospice. Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years and his travel-sidekick, Donna (Ring) Evans; his stepson, Daniel Elmer; and his parents, Robert and Mary (Huntley) Evans.  

As our beloved father has joined his loving wife in the arms of the Lord, a private celebration of life will be held to commemorate his life. We express our gratitude for your empathy and prayers.

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

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420