Robert (Bob) Wayne Below, 66, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025.
Bob was born Aug. 9, 1959, in Milwaukee, to Kenneth and Norma Below. Bob was the middle child of five, Bruce, Christine, John and Tom. With the passing of his mother at age 9, his role in the family and life shifted, stepping in as a father figure and role model to his younger brothers John and Tom. Bob described Antigo as his childhood home surrounded by family, the outdoors and hunting.
The family’s move to Oconto Falls, graduating in the class of 1977, helped to mold Bob into the person he was. Bob’s friendships formed in these years are still strong and a major part of his life.
Bob met Kim (Grenke) during his early high school years, who he went on to marry in 1981. Bob and Kim, in their 50 years together, created a beautiful life and family. With the arrival of their daughter, Bobbie, Bob enrolled at Indianhead Technical School and began his education and love for the tech world. Bob worked a few different jobs in the field including one that briefly brought the family to Wyoming. With the arrival of his son, Joseph (Joe), Bob and Kim made the decision to move the family to Menomonie, where he received a bachelor of science degree in technology education from Stout.
With a move to Plymouth, he started his teaching career at Lightfoot School, a school for students with disabilities and exceptional needs. He fondly remembered his time teaching there and all his students. With the closing of Lightfoot, he then taught at Sheboygan Falls High School and finished his career in the Sheboygan School District. Bob loved teaching, he took personal joy in watching his students learn new skills and build something they were proud of.
Bob valued the connections and relationships with everyone he interacted with. His love of others especially became apparent when he became a grandfather to Ava, Arthur (Ari), Wesley, Boone and Della. Bob enjoyed his time with his grandkids, always cheering them on at their events, crying and celebrating their wins, and the first to be a loving support over a loss. He looked forward to his time up north with them to take them fishing, boating and exploring the outdoors.
He enjoyed attending the grandkids’ activities, going up north hunting, extended stays in Arizona during the spring, maple syruping, putzing around the yard, cheering on all the Wisconsin sports teams, attending concerts and music festivals (especially bluegrass), roaming around Elkhart Lake on his moped stooping to say hi, capturing every sunset, and watching the Sunday morning show.
Deer hunting with his son Joe, every fall in Oconto Falls was a deep passion of his. The pair, along with his father-in-law, Artie, successfully harvested many deer over the years, and the three bonded over their love of the outdoors. Bob was fortunate enough to retire at 58, and has spent his retirement years filling the days with these things he loved.
Bob was preceded in death by his father, Ken; mother, Norma; father-in-law, Arthur Grenke; siblings, Bruce and Christine, son-in-law, Josh Stroessner.
He is survived by his wife, Kim; daughter and family, Bobbie, children, Ava, Ari, Wesley; son and family, Joe and Kari, children, Boone and Della; mother-in-law,
Pat Grenke; brothers, John (Kerrin) Tom (Amy); sister-in-law, Julie (Rez); nieces and nephews; cousins,; and many friends that he considered family.
Bob never missed an opportunity to say hi or catch up with a friend, and welcomed all strangers with a smile. He’s sittin’ on a rainbow until he sees you again. Please join the family in remembrance on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025. Visitation will take place at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth from 1-3 p.m. with a service to follow. Following the service, an open house to share stories and his love with be held at JAAAGZ in Plymouth from 4-7 p.m.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.