Robert “Bob” J. Risler, age 82 of Eau Claire, passed away on Sunday, September 8, 2024 in Chetek at the Meadowbrook Nursing Home. Bob was born on May 27, 1942 in Durand to the late Joseph and Margaret (Robelia) Risler.
He graduated from Plum City Schools in 1960. He met Shirley Ann Bignell at a dance and they fell in love. They married on June 27, 1963 at the catholic church in Plum City. Throughout his life, Bob had several business adventures, but farming was at his heart. He had bought and sold 4 farms, the last two being in Hammond.
In 1983 Bob sold the last farm and went on to earn his license as an insurance agent. He sold insurance until 1988. Bob went back to school at CVTC and earned his degree as a machinist. He worked as a machinist in River Falls and in 1997 he joined his sons at Creekside Spray and Foam Coating until 2007.
Shirley passed away May of 2005. In 2010, he met Kathleen Thompson. Kathleen passed away in 2016. Bob later met Susan Voigt and they married in October of 2018.
Bob enjoyed deer hunting, never missing a gun season, fishing and watching the Packers. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Susan; children: Terry (Lorrie) of Downing, Jerry of Boyceville and Gary (Beth) of Prairie Farm; step children: Lori (Tim) Johnson and Craig (Lisa) Honadel; grandchildren: Amanda (Tom), Ashley (Jeremy), April (Jim), Seager (Bob) and Clayton; step-grandchildren: Cassie (Haley) Griffen and Abby; 8 great-grandchildren; brothers: Larry (Janet) and Donald (Linda); and sister Mary Jane (Richard) Bunce.
Preceding him in death are his parents and his first wife Shirley.
A memorial mass will be held at 12:00 (NOON) on Friday, September 27, 2024 at St. James the Greater, 2502 11
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St. Eau Claire, with Fr. Tom Krieg officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of mass. Burial will take place at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Glenwood City.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.