Robert Anthony Alesch, 86, passed away peacefully at Agrace HospiceCare on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014. He was born June 7, 1927, in Rockford, Ill., the son of Anthony and Bertha (Berry) Alesch.
Bob grew up in Shawano and graduated from Shawano High School in 1945. A World War II veteran, he enlisted in the Navy and served his country in a Naval Aviation Unit until December 1946. He was united in marriage to Alice Genevieve Dingeldein, of Bonduel, on Nov. 25, 1948, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano. Bob attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1949.
He started a long career for the state of Wisconsin in 1951, culminating as the personnel administrator for the University of Wisconsin System. His most notable accomplishment as personnel administrator was serving as a committee member to craft the current Wisconsin Public Employee Retirement System, which has served to benefit thousands of public servants. During his tenure, Bob served as the president of the National College and University Personnel Association, where he developed many long-term friendships and professional relationships. He retired in 1990 but still kept very active in various professional organizations. Following retirement, Bob continued to serve on the State Insurance Board and the Association of Career Employees for many years. He was also intricately involved with the State Employees Combined Campaign, which raises money for charities statewide.
Bob was an avid runner, racing on many Saturdays and running roads and forest paths all over the world. Throughout their marriage, Bob and Alice traveled to many places throughout North America and Europe. They were avid bowlers and devoted Badger supporters, spending many Saturdays together at Camp Randall. Bob enjoyed golfing and was a member of Cherokee Country Club for over 40 years.
Bob is survived by his brother, Vern (Mary), and sister, Phyllis Ianeri; children, David, Michael (Ann Dee), Richard (Nancy), Barbara (Don) Schultz, and Teri (Petra) Alesch; his seven grandchildren, Adam (Bryenne), Daniel (Trish), Todd, Jon (Lacey), Steven, Kelsey (Chad) Jelsma and Jon Karns; and his seven great-grandchildren, Kayna, Raelyn, Cadence, Hayden and Morgan Alesch, and Addelyn and Zarra Jelsma. He is further survived by other family and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Alice; parents; in-laws; brothers, Don and Gordon; and great-granddaughter Ahnikha Alesch.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Peter Catholic Church, 5001 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, at noon Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014, with Monsignor Charles Schluter and the Rev. Roger Nilles presiding. A visitation will be held at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, and again at the church from 11 a.m. until time of Mass on Saturday. Private inurnment will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Monona.
His wisdom and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Agrace HospiceCare Inc. or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to thank the staff at UW Hospital and Agrace HospiceCare Inc. for their care and compassion.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
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