Robert R. “Bob” Holmes

PACIFIC TOWNSHIP – Robert R. “Bob” Holmes, 82, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at his residence in Pacific Township on Thursday, November 16, 2017.

Robert was born on September 11, 1935, in Madison, the son of Merle R. and Hazel (Allen) Holmes.  He married Shirley Koepp on April 7, 1956.  Bob worked in the plastics industry most of his life, having retired from Plastic Ingenuity in Cross Plains.  He was heavily involved in motor sports.  He and Shirley attended numerous races, taking their motor home to many events, including NASCAR and area short track racing.  Bob loved fishing and boating, especially on Lake Winnebago, as well as taking his RV to Canada on fishing trips.

He is survived by his children, Edward (Karla) Holmes of Dalton, Mark (Jenny) Holmes of Portage, and Lyn Holmes of Pardeeville; grandchildren, Tim (Vicki) Lamb, Chad and Shawna Holmes, Kendra Agnew, Lisa and Nick Holmes; several great-grandchildren; his brother, Merle (Barb) Holmes of Portage;  his step-brother, Rick (Cecilia) Lasse, Endeavor;  his step-sister, Rita Lasse;  special friend, Barb Kluge;  his loyal companion, Buddy the dog;  nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents;  his wife, Shirley;  two granddaughters, Sarah Holmes and Caitlyn Lamb;  his step-sister, Renee Lasse;  and his father- and mother-in-law, Arthur and Edna (Radtke) Koepp.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Portage, with the Rev. Julie Krahn officiating. Burial will be private in Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage (www.pmmfh.com), and from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dennis and Elaine Benson, Bill and Sara Mautz, Kermit Simonson, and Tim Gaffney.

At Bob’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Portage.