Robert “Bob” Wopat, age 75, of Sun City West, AZ, passed away the morning of November 16, 2017, surrounded by his family.
Bob, a devoted husband, father, and friend, is survived by his wife Ruth of 50 years, his two children Amy and Chris, and sister Marvalene. He is preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Ella, his brother Bernard, and infant brother, Donald.
Bob grew up in Kendall, WI and lived most of his life in Southern Wisconsin where he earned his bachelor’s degree from UW-Platteville, worked, and raised his family. Bob started his career as a computer programmer, later founding a successful IT consulting company which continued to grow long after his retirement in 2010. In 2007, Bob and his wife purchased a home in Sun City West, Arizona, where they would spend the winters, and eventually live full time.
Bob lived life to the fullest and was always open to new experiences. His adventurous spirit took him and his wife to the far corners of the United States and many countries around the globe. When he wasn’t traveling, Bob found great joy in spending time with his family and friends, volunteering, fishing, hiking, storytelling, spending time at the lake, exploring his Czech heritage, admiring vintage cars and Corvettes, playing a mean game of Euchre, reading, and playing his accordion. He will be remembered as a compassionate, loving, and generous man who never met a dessert he didn’t like.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The RLS Foundation, The Lymphoma Research Foundation, or a favorite charity of your choosing.
Please join our family in sharing memories on Bob’s tribute wall in the comments below.
I got to know Bob while walking my dogs. Bob was very friendly and easy to talk to. I loved the time we talked about his playing the accordion. It brought back memories of my childhood days(my father played the accordion).
I will miss his smiling face and his positive outlook on life.
His neighbor, Sharon Bolenbaugh
We have lost a true friend who we shared many good times with.
We will always remember Bob for his sense of humor and sense of adventure.
Ruth, we are thinking of you and wish your were down the road so we could come and hug you.
This page is wonderful. We did not know Bob in his younger years and really enjoyed the pictures and background information.
Love, Myron and Donna
We were so so lucky to have Bob and Ruth move in next door to us. They became great friends and we will miss Bob terribly. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Ruth and the family.
Cathie and Ernie Kuck
We are so sad to hear this news, Ruth. Our sympathy to you and your family. We enjoyed your company so much in the Madison condo. We missed your presence this past year after you moved to AZ full time. Bob was a most interesting man with so many interests and talents and was always involved in some kind of project. And was always will to help others when needed.
You will be in our thoughts.
Oh, my gosh! How does one even start when sifting through a lifetime of memories including sharing a wonderful evening out for dinner with Bob & Ruth followed by a concert only a few hours before Bob’s hospitalization last Thursday–something Mary Rose and I will never forget. For me, my earliest Bob memory was hurrying home after school with him because Adolph bought a black & white TV–maybe the first TV set in Kendall, WI. Ella would give us slices of peanut butter bread to munch on while we impatiently watched the “test pattern” and counted off the minutes to the beginning of “The Howdy Doody Show.” In between those two events are hundreds of wonderful recollections. We will miss you terribly, Bob. Rest in peace good buddy!
Ben & Mary Rose Roloff
It is with a very heavy heart that I send to you my sympathy and my prayers in the passing of your wonderful husband and father. Bob was a unique individual that loved his family, loved life, his business and his roots. He was a friend that I could always count on and always enjoyed seeing and catching up with the news of the Kendall bunch, whether in Arizona or back home.
He will be sorely missed by all of us, his friends, his family, his business partners and employees. Godspeed, Bob. We loved you and we will certainly miss you and your wonderful disposition and great personality. Your friend always, Tommy and Sue Ann
Rhoda and Jim Frajola enjoyed not only Bob’s hospitality, but also the Seahawks only Syperbowl win so far. Bob’s personality was infectious and enjoyable. He will, sadly, be missed.
Dear Ruth;
We miss you dear neighbor. We’ll remember you both in our and prayers. We knew you both for such a short time but you both were such caring and terrific neighbors. Sure hope you call when you’re in town so we can get caught up. We’re donating some money to a youth program here in Madison in Bob’s memory.
Peg and Larry Collins
Dear Ruth, Amy and Chris,
Our condolences and deepest expression of love to you at this time of loss. We remember Bob especially in Bocce and parties surrounding Prides and Bocce people here in Sun City West. He often had his accordion handy. Most important, however, was the ease in conversation and humor both Bob and Ruth brought to all situations.
Our love and blessings, Pearl and Art Quast
Dear Ruth and Family,
I am stunned to read the news. Bob and I were planning on driving into Phoenix for the next accordion club meeting. I am so pleased to have known Bob as my student and friend. Dale
How saddened we are to hear of Bob’s death. His passing leaves the world with less laughter, big smiles, accordion music and a partner for a wicked game of Euchre. Jim and I so enjoyed the time we spent together in our homes and on the trips we took. He will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Our most heartfelt sympathy to all of your family.
With love, Jan and Jim
Though I did not know Bob, personally, or any members of your family, I’ve heard his name mentioned many times through my association with Dale Mathies here at Crown Music where all the accordion enthusiats met. Bob was very special to him and he definitely will be missed by all of those whose lives he touched, I am sure. So sorry for your loss. God be with him.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Bob was a kind and thoughtful man. Please accept my prayers and sympathy to you and your family. Bob will be missed at our get together at Chris and Jodie’s home. I hope the pain you’re feeling at this moment will be replaced by happy memories in the future.
With love and sympathy,
Donna Nowakowski
Dear Ruth and family,
Please know that the Kendall McCaskeys are sending prayers your way.
Bob was an awesome classmate who journeyed with me through each year of elementary and high school. Our school was so small, we had the same classmates for 13 years. I have too many memories to choose which to share! Bob was a talented and kind young man. Though I didn’t see him often as an adult, each time we were united, it was as if time stood still.
May you find peace in sharing and reflecting on the good times.
Blessings, Betty
Dear Ruth,
We are very sorry to hear about Bob’s passing and extend to you and your family our deepest sympathy. I will always remember Bob as a kind and generous man. I enjoyed my conversations with him whether it was talking about family or business. Bob was always willing to help in any way possible and I will be forever grateful for all that he did for us related to the business.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family,
Ron and Dorothy Holub
Dear Ruth, Amy, Chris and Jodie,
My absolute sincerest condolences. The news of Bob’s passing seems so unreal. He was like family to Trentan and me as you all are. I thought our paths would cross again whether in Arizona or on one of Amy’s adventures.
I knew Bob for well over 30 years; he was a very kind man. He loved his family. He was sure to be doing something in the background from fixing, building or setting something up. The boat/jet skis were always gassed up and tested to make sure we would have a great time when we came to visit at the lake house.
Other recent special memories are my 41st birthday party, Prague, Four wheeling in Arizona, Visits and bonfires at the lake house, taking his cars for a test drive (S2000 and corvette) and visiting at the Madison condo.
He was a great man and will be missed very much.
Kim
Dear Ruth and your family,
So sorry about your loss of husband and father.
Bob’s friendship while our time at Kendall H.S. will be always cherished. Many good memories from school functions and football practice.
We wish to express to you our deepest heartfelt sympathy. We know Bob will be greatly missed by all.
I feel privileged to have had Bob for a friend for the past 75 years!!! Yes-since we were babies! It was great to continue the fun with Bob and Ruth when they retired here in Sun City West. Those 10 years were great. Lot’s of parties, Broadway shows, trips, and just plain good visits whenever. We really enjoyed celebrating our 50 year wedding anniversary September 30th this year together, the best of several celebrations over those 50 years.
Our monthly Kendall Boys meetings at the local donut shop (Jim Blaney-Charlie Tunks – Ben Roloff and myself) won’t ever be the same. Bob was a walking encyclopedia on Kendall stories from the past. He always made us laugh. I would be remiss without mentioning Bob’s generosity and volunteerism to this community. His service was held in high regard by all of us that knew him. May you rest in peace Bob –Well done! Bob and Sylvia Collins
Dear Ruth and family:
Kris and I were so shocked to hear of Bob’s passing. Our deepest sympathies are with you all on his loss.
I personally enjoyed every minute the four of us spent together, particularly when Bob and I got talking about old cars and Corvettes, and I will miss those times immensely.
Please know that you, Amy and Chris are in our thoughts.
Dear Ruth, Amy and Chris
We are saddened to hear sudden news about Bob and extend our greatest sympathy.
Bob has always been my favorite cousin and we had a close relationship. I cherish the sharing of time and adventures throughout our lifetime. Our trip to the Czech Republic and spending time at the lake, Sun City all the other events of our life. What an outstanding and persevering man in dealing with his health issues. Bob had the ability to live life to its fullest. I will miss you my dear cousin. May you rest in peace.
Love
Ben and Janet
We were so sorry to hear about Bob. We will always have the fond memories of good talk and laughs at the lake. Our sincere sympathy to you all.
Dear Ruth and family,
I just received the sad news of your loss. It isn’t just your loss. I’m sure everyone that has had the gift of knowing Bob at whatever level will miss him. He always had a quick and lovely smile for me and the others on our PRIDES crew. I always missed him if he didn’t make it. He believed in the motto Once A PRIDE always one. You had a peach of a guy and our crew will miss his smile, humor, and contributions to a good group of volunteers. Blessings to you and your family. Sincerely, Val Kuhn
Howdy from the farm,
Lois and I, Arden Eberhardt are from Kendall, Wisconsin offer our deep sympathy. I just got the news from Linda Murphy this afternoon. Menories of Bob back in High School was the two of us playing the bass horns in the band. I have no idea how many candy wrappers that was tossed in bell and then tipping them over to get them out when our director was not around. Those 1957 Pontiac cars were the great ones and very quick. The new accordion Bob brought up to the farm which he was very proud to show
us was really great. I brought mine down from the attic and it is still down in the hall where I sat it down. I also remember the Harley he had and having fun.
From the ridge, Arden and Lois
Dear Wopat Family,
We are both so shocked and sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. Even though I new him since I was a grade-schooler, as my good friend’s dad, I grew up to have many fun adult times with him and you all. My favorite teenager story was the time he actually picked Amy up, (as she was standing in front of him), and placed her in her room. Trust me, his reaction to her behavior at the time could have really been something..LOL. He was always up for a good fishing trip with Greg and opened up the cottage for my whole family to enjoy the lake. I never thought of him as much older than myself since he always had a great outlook on life and a young spirit.
We will always think of him fondly and are thinking of you all in this very difficult time.
Tina, Greg, Anna and Kaci Franzen
We were so fortunate to know Bob and his calm, loving spirit. We wish we would have been closer so that we could spend more time together, but are so grateful for the time we had.
We are thinking of you, Ruth, Chris, and Amy, and sending all our love. Hope to see you soon.
Ruth and family,
So sorry to read about Bob. Though it’s been years since we met while you were living in La Crosse, I’ve thought of you whenever I walk or ride my bike past your house in Wedgewood Terrace. Remember enrolling your Amy and my Chris at Congregational Church for nursery school? My thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this sad time.
Dear Ruth, Amy and Chris, We were very saddened to hear of Bob’s sudden passing as were our children. They recall playing at your home in La Crosse when we were all younger. He was a good man and will be missed by so many. You are in our prayers during this difficult time.
Dear Ruth,
My sincere sympathy goes out to you and your family , I, like the Kendall boys, (Turk, Jim Bob and Ben) grew up in the same neighborhood. We were all friends. Robert Louis Stevenson said “A friend is a gift you give to yourself” and he was a gift to many.
So surprised and sad to read of Bob’s untimely passing. First met both Bob and Ruth as a “rookie” teacher in Kendall over 60 yrs ago. Such a superb person and personality he was – same w/ Ruth. Had the opportunity to meet w/ Bob/Ruth a # of times after the Kendall yrs. While Bob was not what we think as a gifted athlete he was a very good one who could always be counted on to do the right thing. In addit- ion he was a strong student w/ excellent verbal skills and a penchant to be successful. The Wopat family were a strong part of the Kendall culture. Rest in peace our good friend and say hi to Emmy when you meet in the great sky!!!
Patrick Kennedy
I was sad to learn of Bob’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wopat Family. I got to know Bob through Rotary. We were members of different clubs in the Madison (WI) area. People from different organizations worked on the Rotary Orphan Train Project together. Bob and other members of his Rotary Club of Sun Prairie traveled to Bulgaria to visit orphanages and bring assistance. Bob was a man who demonstrated, through his action, his belief in the Rotary motto “service above self.”
Same. I know that I should recall how I met Bob, how I might have known him but my memory only remembers a kind man who was in charge and I was glad of it. Perhaps computer programming somehow. Not everything that a person accomplishes is listable in a short space, but he was a very nice professional as I remember him. Inspiring. My sympathy to Ruth and families.
I am deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a strong friend to children in need from Bulgaria. Since we met in early two thousands he helped with, various projects for orphans in Vidin, Bulgaria. One of the projects with biggest impact was the vision screening of children from orphanages and kinder gardens in Vidin. In 2011, another project for purchase of the new electric system of orphanage for children with disabilities happened thanks to his involvement.
I will always remember him as a devoted humanist and globalist who strongly and generously supported children to have better life. Bob and his Rotarian friends were real inspiration to other people here how to serve above self.
I am sending my sincere condolences to Ruth and the entire family. You’ve always got a friend in me.
Rest in peace Bob! I’ll never forget you.
Bob was a business partner of mine and a mentor and guide. I remember Bob as a true son of Wisconsin, delivering cheese curds to Washington D.C. on our business trips there, and as a hard-working, fun-loving and kind-hearted person.
My deepest sympathy Ruth and family. We shall always remember the Wilton and Kendall challenge. May God Bless you and the family.
I was very saddened to hear the news of Bob’s passing. Bob was a great business partner and friend, he will be missed. I always appreciated Bob’s candor as a friendly competitor, then as a business partner. We both enjoyed business relationship building whether in the Southern Wisconsin or Washington DC area. Many of those relationships we built together are still the cornerstones to the business that remains. Denise and I will keep Bob and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike
Ruth and family sorry about Bob he was my real good friend les ross
We enjoyed knowing Bob and Ruth over the years at CCC. It was obvious they valued their employees and family. We had sun filled fun at their home on Lake Winnebago . There is nothing that can compare to the loss of a husband or parent, but as long as our loved one lives on in our hearts and memories there is part of them that never leaves us. So sorry for your loss.
Ruth. I am so sorry for your loss. You, Amy and Chris are in my thoughts and prayers. I will remember Bob as the one who shared his love of accordion playing . He was committed to his volunteering here in SCW and will be greatley missed.
My deepest sympathies Ruth and family.
I always enjoyed meeting with Bob either business related or for breakfast or lunch. He always mentioned how Chris and Amy were doing and was very proud of his family. We would share stories of our Czech heritage and mutual acquaintances in the Hillsboro and White City area. He was a positive, caring and thoughtful person. Always called me “young fella” and made me laugh and smile. I will miss him but remember the great memories Bob gave to me. God bless.
We are so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. We’re glad we visited him in the hospital a few days before his passing.
Bob lived across the street from me when we grew up in Kendall, WI.
I bought his 1945 Harley Davidson Army motorcycle. I also bought my first car from Bob back in 1960.
In later years we would meet for lunch at The Avenue Bar in Madison.
Bob was the organiser of the Kendall Boy’s monthly gathering at Basha’ s
Store in Sun City West, AZ.
Bob was a man of great integrity and a trusting friend.
Ruth and family please accept our deepest sympathy. He will be greatly missed.
I remember working for Bob at CCI on muddy flats in La Crosse. My first job after college! That was in the day when you would turn the air conditioner about an hour after you started up the computer in the winter! I appreciate his real life training of me and the time we had together.
Ruth,
We are sorry to learn of Bob passing. We enjoyed spending time with both of you up at the lake cottage.
Our condolences to the family.
Scott and Nancy
RUTH PLEASE ACCEPT MY SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR HUSBAND. WE WERE A GREAT COUPLE.
So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. Our condolences to the family.
We were saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for all the family and wish God’s comfort and strength going forward for each of them. We have been friends and pals since high school but especially enjoyed these last several years when we spent weeks with Bob and Ruth exploring, hiking, golfing and just hanging out in AZ sharing many memories. Bob was a trooper, optimistically dealing with whatever came his way. We will miss him greatly. With love and sympathy, Roger and Everly Pasch
TED MILNE
RUTH . so sorry to hear of BOBS passing.my sympathy to you and your family.
BOB and i were good friends,especially in high school,our dads were business partners
BOB and i were mischievous partners,lots of memories.
I am soooo sorry !
Dear Ruth and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a such a fun person to be around. We wish we could have known him longer. Our sympathy goes out to you and your family. Joe and Marilyn Zenz
I met Bob years ago at a Wopat family reunion but didn’t really get to know him until we started coming to AZ 8 years ago. We’ve had a few adventures – rafting on the Salt River, a trip to New Orleans, & loved trying new restaurants & dark beers. Bob asked me to play keyboard with him when he played his accordion at Grandview & other area group homes. The residents interacted well with Bob & seemed to enjoy our humble attempt at entertainment. We miss him and wish peace & healing memories to Ruth & family.’
Doug & Ronna Wopat Pate
I was deeply saddened and shocked to hear of my Uncle Bob’s passing. I have memories of Bob that go back over 55 years. I was an altar boy at Bob and Ruth’s wedding. Bob and Ruth stopped and visited us in Nebraska numerous times over the years on their way to or from Arizona. My family really enjoyed those visits and I appreciate the effort that Bob and Ruth made to stop by and see us. It’s hard to believe that he’s no longer with us. I will alway cherish the memories of the Wopat’s we’ve lost; Uncle Bob Wopat, Uncle Bernard Wopat, and my maternal grandparents.
It was a sad day when I learned Bob had taken his last journey. I first met Bob when he joined our Bocce team, though never had a chance to talk with him as he was ‘at the other end of the court’!. From all the contributions to him I am learning so much about his life – what a wonderful and varied one he led, and a much caring one (Rotary). We will miss our musical interlude at our upcoming Christmas party with Bob playing his accordion, but I am sure he will be playing in spirit. I will remember Bob as a very gentle soul.
Elvine Baird
So sad news hit us here in the Czech Republic. Ruth, Chris, Amy, Jodie, please, accept our deepest sympathy. Life is too short, but I am sure that Bob lived it to the fullest. And we are so honored, that we were a part of it. Our paths crossed about 20 years ago during his Czech heritage search trip and we became family immediately. We will never forget any of your visits here and will always remember our stay at your home in Sun Prairie. You did so much for us. Thank you!
Dear Ruth and Family
I just got home and trying to catchup on the news when I came across the news about Bob. I’m really sorry to read about Bob’s passing. I remember in my early career days working for Bob on computer systems. Then later when he started his consulting company and finally in retirement, he still was working on computers! All along Bob offered great advise and wisdom on work and life. I will truly miss him.
Sincerely,
Jerry Kmiecik
Belle and I (Mike) were so shocked to hear of Bob’s passing. We were coming to Arizona this winter, but Belle had trouble with her teeth and we had to stay in Connecticut to take care of them. We were going to hook up with you guys when we got there. It is so sad that we did not make it in time.
Bob was a great friend and I will miss him. I think of the times we did things together and I am thrilled to have known Bob and you. Remember when my camper caught fire in Texas and Bob went with me to Texas from Arizona and we drove over 700 miles non stop and picked up the camper after they put a new muffler on it. Then we drove back from Texas to Arizona taking turns driving the camper towing the Ford Expedition.
We will miss Bob and he will be in our thoughts and prayers always.
Ruth and family I am so sorry to hear about Bob. He was so kind and considerate checking in with me in April. I remember how much Bill enjoyed listening when he took off in his corvette. I think he always gave it a little extra gas. Always made Bill smile. Not an easy transition Ruth for sure but hope we can get together before too long and talk.
How deeply saddened I was when I read Bob’s obituary in the paper last week. I worked for Bob’s IT consulting company for 7 years, 2 years on the Y2K team at American Family Ins. and 5 years at Dept. of Workforce Development at the State. Bob helped me to change careers when I really needed a change after 15 years in the banking industry, taking a chance on a TDS-CS intern and a fresh IT graduate. Bob was always such a thoughtful employer who really cared about his employees, making sure we were included in decisions that affected us all. I remember the wonderful company holiday parties and summer gatherings that most businesses had long stopped offering. Bob also ensured that we continued to stay on top of our training in an industry that was changing so quickly. I will always be so thankful for Bob, helping me to grow professionally and exposing me to so many amazing colleagues from all over the world, many of whom are still my friends to this day. Eventually, I went back to my earlier career at the bank, which was located right next door to CCC in Sun Prairie. Bob would often walk over to see how I was doing and to catch up with me. His visits were always the highlight of my day. Even as a former employee, he still had a knack for making me feel special and important. Bob was an intelligent and savvy businessman, but also possessed a big heart and was very real, not just pretending like so many business people do. I am sure this special quality was why Bob was so successful in all aspects of his life.
Ruth, please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I remember our chats and your kindness too. I am thinking of you and your children during this sad time of loss and grief.
Dear Ruth and family,
On behalf of Benevilla, we send our sincerest condolences to you and the family. Ruth and Robert were two of the first volunteers I met here at Benevilla about a year ago and we were so grateful to have you both in our Home Delivered Meals program. We will certainly keep you, Ruth and family, in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dear Ruth,
I was very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. I send my sincere condolences to you and your family. My mother was Sylvia Cisar Wirth. Bob was her first cousin. In recent years, I had the opportunity to meet you and Bob at Wopat family events and enjoyed our visits.
With sympathy, Sandra Wirth Rego
I had the pleasure of meeting Bob and Ruth Wopat through our home delivered meal program at Benevilla where I work. Bob seemed to be a quiet man when I first met him, but very interested in our volunteer programs particularly our meals on wheels. He and Ruth gave of their time and resources to faithfully drive meals every week to our clients in nearby communities. Bob is already missed as well as Ruth and I am grateful I got to know him through our program. Ruth, very very sorry for your loss.
So sorry to read about Bob’s passing. Our sympathy to you and your family.
Jack and Bev
so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. we really enjoyed being neighbors in Sun City West. save the wave in the corvette! Best wishes to Ruth& family. Your corvette neighbors , Craig&Diane Hubbard
It was truly an honor to get to know Bob over the last 15 years. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and depth of knowledge will be missed. I most enjoyed exploring different lunch locations, talking about travel, family, and life in general. I have always looked up to Bob as a model of success. I am thinking of you Ruth and family during this difficult time. Ryan Schmid
It is with much surprise, heavy heart and much sadness we offer our condolences to Ruth and Family in the passing of Bob. As members of Sun Country Corvette Club your loss is our loss, a part of our extended family. We are here for you, if needed. Curt Simpson, President