Robert William (Bob) Couffer Jr.

Robert W. "Bob" Couffer, 91, of Lake Geneva, WI passed away unexpectedly on June 16th, 2017 at Mercy-Walworth Hospital.

Robert William Couffer, Jr. was born on July 5th, 1925 to the late Robert and Frances (Rayner) Couffer, Sr. in Oak Park, Illinois. Robert was the younger of 2 children, brother to Jane (Couffer) Townsend. Robert, or Bob as he was known, grew up in Oak Park, Illinois and after graduating high school was drafted into the Army where he served for 2 years.  He was a prisoner of war in Germany in WWII.  Upon Bob’s return to the U.S. he attended and later graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Bob was a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. 

Bob had varied jobs in his lifetime: Continental Can Research in IL; Dole Valve Co in IL; Culligan International in IL; Erie Manufacturing in Milwaukee, WI; and Mayville Engineering Co in Mayville, WI, from which he retired.

Bob had a love for sailing and boats, which started when he was a young boy at the family’s summer house in Lake Geneva, WI.  He grew up racing scow type sailboats with the Lake Geneva Yacht Club.  Bob was a founder and longtime member of the Geneva Lake Keel Boat Club and served as commodore.  Despite his rheumatoid arthritis, he continued to be Captain through age 91 and truly enjoyed being out on the water.  Bob enjoyed multiple sailing trips with his family in the British Virgin Islands.

In 1955, Bob met his true love Jeanne while she was visiting neighbors at Lake Geneva.  He spotted her in her short shorts! For their first date, Bob of course, took her out sailing on Lake Geneva.  Bob and Jeanne dated for 4 years and were married on May 30th, 1959 in Escanaba, Michigan.  They raised three children, Pamela, Julie, and Susanne in Brookfield, Wisconsin.  Bob and Jeanne later retired to their beloved home in the Elgin Club subdivision in Lake Geneva.  Bob was the Elgin Club Treasurer for many years and loved to tell about the history of the Club and the lake house.  He enjoyed sharing the house with family, friends, and neighbors, and allowed museum groups and antique boat clubs to tour the house.  At age 87, Bob was able to take part in the Honor Flight to visit the WWII memorial in Washington, DC.  Bob was proud of his time serving his country and felt truly honored to participate.  Bob, or “Pops” as he was known by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, had a great sense of humor. He was a loving father and husband, and a giving, fair man.  He loved to tell jokes, socialize, tell stories, and sit with his dog Missy.

Bob is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeanne; 3 daughters: Pamela (Mark) Justman of Hoffman Estates, IL;  Julie (Ron) Stenslie of Osseo, MN; and Susanne (Peter Pawinski) Zachary of Lake Geneva, WI; 4 grandchildren: Taylor Justman of Chicago, IL; Madison Johnson of Norman, OK; Zane Zachary of Lake Geneva, WI; and Riley Justman of Hoffman Estates, IL; 2 great-grandchildren: Bentlie and Skylin Johnson of Norman, OK; and his only sibling, Jane Townsend of Mt Holyoke, MA. His parents Fran and Robert Couffer, Sr. preceded him in death.

Services for Bob will be held on Wednesday June 21st, 2017 at 7:00pm at Calvary Community Church in Williams Bay, Wisconsin.  Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm directly before the service in the church.

In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, the family has asked that you make a donation in Jeanne’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.  A link has been provided below for your convenience.

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The Derrick Funeral Home is more than honored to be assisting the family of Mr. Couffer during their time of need.
 

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