BOB W. BELL
BOB W. BELL
Bob W. Bell, 86, of Neillsville, went home to be with the Lord Oct. 12, 2023, at the House of the Dove in Marshfield, WI.
Bob was born June 2, 1937, to Kermit and Asenath (Adams) Bell in Waukegan, IL. He attended school through sixth grade in Waukegan and then moved to Antigo for seventh through ninth grade. He graduated from Neillsville High School in 1956. He enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1955 at the age of 18.
Bob married the love of his life Eileen D. Hoffman April 26, 1958. In the fall of 1958, they purchased a farm in Christie where they worked very hard together to provide for their family. In addition to farming, Bob worked at the Neillsville Co-op Milk Plant. He left the milk plant after increasing his herd to 32 head. In the fall of 1961, Bob was called up to active duty at which time he auctioned off the cows and was deployed to Fort Lewis near Seattle, WA, for training. After proudly serving our country for seven years, he was honorably discharged in 1962.
In the fall of 1989, after 30 years of farming, they sold the farm and moved to Neillsville.
Bob drove school bus for 10 years. In addition, he worked as a carpenter/ handyman for various friends and widows in the community. Bob loved woodworking and created many pieces of beautiful furniture for his family.
Bob was very involved in his church. He also enjoyed watching movies, reading books and political debates. Bob was a man of great faith and abundant love. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and loved him. His great legacy and grandest work in his life is his investment into his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Eileen (Hoffman) Bell of Neillsville; four children, Barb (Ron) Allen of Altoona, IA, Linda (Ron) Rogus of Neillsville, WI, Sue (Colyn) Luchterhand of Janesville, WI, and Cheryl (Steve) Grade of Fond du Lac, WI; eight grandchildren, Carrie Burkett, Amanda (David) Fugate, Amber (David) Siler, Megan (Brock) Jones, Nicole Grade and Cy Kaderlik, Ashley (Brandon) Vande Slunt, Cory Allen and Alexis Minson, Breanna Allen and Mike Lenox; 11 great-grandchildren, Marissa, Kamdyn, David Floyd, Ahnna, Aubrey, Penny, Evelyn, Oliver, Madison, Kinzley and Emily; and two precious little ones on the way, and some nieces and a nephew.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kermit Bell and step-mother Mabel; mother Asenath McGargle and step-father Mac; his sister Lou and brother-in-law Jerry; and his two nephews, Earl and Larry Smith.
A viewing/visitation was held Sunday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gesche Funeral Home, Neillsville, WI. Funeral Services were held Oct. 16, visitation at 11:30 with funeral at 12:30 at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Interment was in the Neillsville City Cemetery with military honors performed by the Neillsville Veteran’s Council. A meal followed at St. John’s.
We would like to thank The House of the Dove for the great care they gave to both our dad and mom during this difficult time.
Please send condolences to Cheryl Grade W4713 Golf Course Dr. Fond du Lac, WI.
Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.
The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Bob’s family with funeral arrangements.