Robert Lade

Bob, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Sheboygan, Wis., on April 13, 1941, to Werner and Margaret Vowinkel Lade.

Bob graduated from Plymouth High School with the Class of 1961. He served our country in the United States Air Force as an Airman 1st Class from January 1962 to January 1966, when he received an honorable discharge.

Bob married Judith C. Evans on June 15, 1963. Bob and Judy raised their two sons in Sheboygan until Judy’s death in 1983.

He worked at the Kohler Company for 25 years. Later, he worked at Quality State Oil, then worked security at St. Nicholas Hospital, before retiring and moving to Florence with his significant other Carla.

He filled his time helping neighbors, volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store and helping fellow veterans.

Bob was a proud member and held the title of Chaplain in the Meyers-Youngell American Legion Post 211 in Florence.

Bob was a fun-loving guy and an avid fisherman and hunter. He was honest and loyal, instilling the values of hard work, respect and honor in his sons. He was always there for everyone he cared for.

One of his biggest interests was singing. He spent many years with the Chorus of the Kettles and the Kettletones Barbershop Quartet. Bob was a soft-spoken man whose kindness shown though in his voice when singing.

He is survived by his son, Greg (Kyla) Lade; special friend, Carla; sister, Romell; and brother, Russel; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Judy; son, Michael; brothers, Ronald and Rodger; sisters, Regina, Rogene, Rosaly and Roxann.

A visitation for Bob will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, with a celebration of life and military service starting at 3 p.m. at the Jacobs-Ludholm Funeral Home in Florence.

The family would like to give a very big special thanks to Bob’s dear friend Ted Eckola, who gave Bob much of his time over these last three months while in hospice. The family would also like to give special thanks to Vicki Zoch, who was also a very supportive friend for years, and to the staff at the Iron Mountain VA, who provided Bob with great care.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Robert’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs-Ludholm Funeral Home in Florence to honor Bob’s life.