Robert Wing

Robert Wilfred Wing passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, of pancreatic cancer on November 29, 2021.

Bob was born in Milwaukee, WI on March 17, 1947. His father, Wilfred Wing Jr., had to ask a strangers for $50 so that the hospital would admit his mother, Ruth, so she could give birth. Years later, when his father was asked to be on the board of that same hospital, he declined.

He came from a hard-working family that built a successful business, WB Bottle, that is now run by his nieces and great nieces. He spent his childhood in Milwaukee and started working at WB Bottle when he was just 10 years old.

He spent his childhood years playing baseball and cheering for the Milwaukee Braves and Green Bay Packers. This love of baseball was passed down to his grandsons, and he spent many days cheering them on at their games.
His love of golf started in high school and continued for the rest of his life. He was happiest on the golf course, especially when joined by family and friends. He was proud of his lowest score – 70!

He received both his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Between undergrad and law school he spent 2 years in the army, stationed in Korea, during the Vietnam War.

After graduating from law school in 1974, he was elected as the first Democratic District Attorney in Pierce County since the Civil War. At the age of 37, he was appointed Pierce County circuit court judge. He was re-elected four times and served as judge for 25 years before he retired in 2010.

He spent his retirement years doing what he loved most: spending time with family, traveling, golfing, gardening, reading, and playing cards. His retirement travels took him to Maui, Alaska, Spain, Disney World, Greece, Hungary, Prague, Maine, the Grand Canyon, Cooperstown, OBX, and many other destinations.

He was a devoted and beloved grandpa to Logan and Carter Larson, father to Julia Wing-Larson and Alison Wing, father-in-law to Jon Larson, partner to Debi Hasdorff, brother to James Wing, brother-in-law to Kathleen Wing, and uncle and great uncle to his nieces and nephews.

He wanted to be remembered as “a good person, a good father, a good judge, and a good grandpa.” The advice he gave to his family was to work hard, be honest, live by the golden rule and always consider others, and stand up for what you believe in. He was known for unwavering integrity and didn’t just give this advice, he lived it.

A private memorial service will take place this week with a public memorial service and charity golf tournament planned for the spring. More details will be shared at a future date.

Bob was very generous and giving back to his community was important to him.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to one of his favorite organizations: River Falls Community Food Pantry or Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com