Robert William “Bob” Cole passed away unexpectedly on June 27, 2025, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. Born on February 6, 1966, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to Robert H. and Jean P. Cole, Bob enjoyed a wonderful childhood as a “military brat”, before moving to California to be near family. Bob graduated from Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, where he excelled in school and played football.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Laura Cole; his daughter, Meghan Cole (North Pole, AK); stepsons Larry Imgrund (Austin, TX) and Michael Imgrund (Wisconsin); his father, Robert H. Cole (Pleasanton, CA); brother Brad Cole (Vanessa); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his dear mother, Jean Patricia Cole. Bob is also survived by sister-in-law and special family friend, Pia Helbostad (Oslo, Norway).
Bob began his professional journey with Comcast, working there for 21 years. Bob enjoyed sailing as a child with his grandparents, and later took sailing lessons with his father, solidifying a lifelong passion for sailing. Bob was fortunate to have an opportunity to pursue his passion for sailing, and he launched his own sailing business in the San Francisco Bay area, turning his love of sailing into a fulfilling second career. Bob earned a Master Mariners Captain license from the United States Coast Guard—a significant achievement.
Bob had a fun loving soul, always entertaining his friends and family with his antics. Bob was diligent in his pursuit to have the nicest lawn in the neighborhood, and was an avid agronomist. Bob spent many hours learning all about how to grow a beautiful lawn, and really enjoyed educating and helping others with the same passion. He loved to talk about crypto, lawn care, grilling, Labradors, and politics. His eyes lit up when talking about his girls, and he loved to make us laugh with his witty sense of humor.
Bob was an excellent husband and father and was well loved by his family. Bob was very proud of his children and his wife. He was a devoted dog dad, and his life revolved around taking care of and loving Jackson and Bodean. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed traveling with his wife in their spare time.
A Memorial Service will be held on July 15, 2025, from 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home N84 W17937Menomonee Ave. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00, and the service will start promptly at 3:00. The funeral home's main entrance on Menomonee Ave is under construction. It is open for traffic coming westbound from Appleton Ave but not eastbound. There are two other entrance the Funeral Home, one is on the east side of Shady Lane and the other is on the southwest side off of Town Hall Road.
CLICK HERE to watch the service live with an Zoom account.
After the service, we will meet at Village Bowl, located at N86W18330 Main St, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051. Refreshments will be served.