Robert J Finzel, born in Iowa on December 3, 1940, to Carl Sr. and Gertrude Finzel, passed away surrounded in love at William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans' Hospital in the hospice unit on Friday, June 6th, 2025.

He is finally reunited with the love of his life, Joan. Robert, Bob, Dad, Papa, Papa Big Hugs, Uncle Bob, Brother Bob, Dear Friend Bob was what many called him, but he was best known for having the biggest, kindest, sweetest, most loving heart.

He loved fiercely, and his wife and family were his absolute everything. He truly was happiest in the company of anyone from his family.

Bob graduated from high school at Loras Academy, class of 1959. He hired out on the railroad on November 17, 1960, working some on Amtrak but spending most of his railroad career as a conductor for the CP Rail. He retired in 1994.

He was part of the United States Army 5th Infantry from 1963-1965, and married the love of his life, his rock and best friend, Joan, on June 27, 1969.

Bob was the film man for Varsity Football at his kid's alma mater Kettle Moraine from 1988 until 1992 and at Portage High School from 1992-2003, there he made good friends and great memories with Coach Jeff Wiessinger, Fritz Hammer and LeRoy Miles.

He drove for Portage Cab until he fully retired, allowing him to chase all the events his grandchildren and great grandchild were in.

He had the most amazing moments, connections and close relationships with his grandchildren and great grandchild, leaving a mountain of memories for those kids to hold close and cherish.

He will be remembered for the nicknames he gave us, custom songs he made up for us and never being able to get through a joke because he laughed all the way through the punch line. He always made sure that each one of us knew how much he loved us and how proud he was of us.

Bob was 1 of 11 children, 9 of which were his sisters and all of them looked up to their brother. Bob's only brother, Carl Jr., proceeded him in death in 1999 and not a single day passed where he didn't miss him. Also proceeding Bob's passing are his sisters Joanie Telscher, Sally Spechtenhauser, and Barbara Calease, his brother in laws Bill Telscher, Jack Spechtenhauser, Lyle Calease, and Henry Breitsprecker, as well as in laws from Joan's side, Cookie and Jack Norris, Ronnie Broesch, and Don Stenson. His mother and father-in-law Eugene and Marie Broesch, his mom and dad Carl Sr. and Gertrude, a daughter-in-law Kelly Finzel, a granddaughter Mandi-Jo and his sweetheart Joan in 2022.

Here to miss him and honor him everyday until we are reunited are his three daughters, Robin Bublitz, her children Trisha, her husband Ben and their son Carter Magargee, Cody Simonson and their father, Jim Simonson. Bobbi-Jo and her husband Chris and their boys Nick and Brady Scaffidi and Jodi and her husband Matt along with their boys Gunnar and Cooper Roberts. Two son's Kevin Finzel, his children Kenny and Kevin, his son Kaden and Jon Finzel.

He is further survived by his sisters Monica and Steve Lukritz, Christine Breitsprecker, Anita and Joe Bruckner, Jill and Duey Duetmeyer, Julie and Ron Schlader, and Michelle Finzel. His in laws Nancy Finzel, Diana Stenson and Geno Broesch. Bob had many nieces and nephews that he adored and a special friendship with Jared Simonson and his three girls.

Dad/Papa, never forget! I love you, I love you, I love you.

Although Bob's last weeks were spent in hospice, he truly was happy to be at the VA in Madison.  He often said to his daughters Bobbi Jo and Jodi, "I really like it here" and he made some amazingly beautiful connections with so many of his care team.  To Dr. Meyer's and the resident Dr. 's on his team, along with nurse Eric from floor 3, thank you for taking such good care of our dad, listening to him and honoring his wishes to go home. To Lexi, Jay, Nancy, Donna, Janet, Anna, Daniel, Sam, and his NP's Kevin and Katie, the impact you made on our dad was unmeasurable, the care you gave him, so full of love and dignity was remarkable and the mark you left on our hearts to watch you all treat him with the very kind heart that he was made of is priceless and will never ever be forgotten.  You were not only caring hands that tended to him each day, but you were tender shoulders for us to cry on, loving hearts that reassured and hugged all of us along the way to find beauty, peace, and love at the end of his journey home.  Thank you.

There will be a celebration of Bob's life on Saturday, September 20 at the VFW, 215 W Collins Street in Portage WI beginning at 3:00pm until 7:00pm with military honors presented in Bob's honor for his service to our country at 3:30pm.