MONONA - Robert Donald Van Etten, Jr., age 74, of Monona, passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on Jan. 15, 1948, in Madison, the son of Robert and Marie (Lynch) Van Etten, Sr.

Bob graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1966 and UW-Oshkosh in 1970. He worked for the State of Wisconsin his entire career from 1971 until 2009, with his last position as budget section chief for the Department of Workforce Development. Bob was also a volunteer firefighter and EMT from 1977 until 2010 with Monona Fire Department, serving as fire chief from 1996 until his retirement. He was past president of Dane County Fire Chiefs Association and a member of the Wisconsin Fire Chiefs Association. Bob really loved his “fire family.”

Bob loved traveling, going on cruises, boating and cheering on the Packers and Badgers. In his early years, he was involved with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corp. from 1962 until 1966. Bob enjoyed reminiscing with the Drum Corp. retiree group “Alumni Breakfast Club” about all their adventures. He was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 410 and Monona Grove Business Men’s Association. Anyone that knew Bob was touched by his soft spirit and kind heart.

Bob is survived by his significant other, Kathy Easland; two sons, Brian (Kathy Runge) Van Etten and Andy (Carla) Easland; four grandchildren, Kiagh and Kendall Van Etten, and Caden and Sienna Easland; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at THE EAST SIDE CLUB, 3735 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2022. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the East Side Club from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday.

Bob’s family would like to thank the Monona and Madison first responders along with the staff at St. Mary’s ER for the kind and compassionate care they gave him. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Salvation Army or Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, 731 N. Jackson St., Ste. 405, Milwaukee, WI 53202 would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

“Bob, you brightened our world and the many lives you touched. You are forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten.”

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Robert Donald Van Etten, Jr.

January 15, 1948 - May 25, 2022

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