Bob was born in Eau Claire, WI, September 13, 1931, to Romeo and Fern Hessler. He graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School and served two years in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he was on the Marine football team. Following his service, Bob attended Eau Claire State College under the GI Bill, where he lettered in both football and basketball. He was named an All-American fullback in 1956.

While at the university, he met his future wife, Barbara Bergh. They were married on December 22, 1958. After graduation, Bob and Barb moved to Menomonee Falls, built their first home in 1961, and then raised three sons, John, Don and Jim. They were married for 53 years at the time of Barb’s passing.

Bob began his career as a history teacher in 1958, launched the driver’s education program in 1961, and spent 35 years following his true passion as a coach. Over his career, he coached football, boys and girls basketball, boys track and field, and he established the girls’ softball team in 1977. His coaching accomplishments include winning the 1976 Class A state football championship alongside his best friend, Head Coach Jim Jeskewitz, and the 1979 state girls softball championship. At the time of his retirement in 1993, Bob was the only coach at Menomonee Falls High School with state titles in both the men’s and women’s programs as an assistant or head coach.

Bob’s dedication as an athlete and coach led to his induction into the Eau Claire Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame, the UW-Eau Claire Athletic Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the MFHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Bob always credited his success to the dedicated assistance of his fellow coaches, players and parents.

Bob is survived by his sons, John (Jane), Don and Jim (Lynn), and by his seven wonderful grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Jason), Andrew (fiancée Brooke), Megan (Ben), Matthew, Cole, Hailey and Lindsey, and his brother Larry (Vicky), as well as many other relatives. He was preceded in death by Barb Hessler, his parents, Romeo and Fern Hessler; four sisters, Gloria, Eileen, Glenna and Virginia; and a brother, Tom.

Dad, from all of us, thank you for living such a wonderful life and having such a positive influence on us and so many others. We love you and will miss you. God bless.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 6, from 12:00–3:00 p.m., and a memorial service with Military Honors will follow at Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home at N84 W17937 Menomonee Avenue, Menomonee Falls, WI. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the MFHS scholarship fund, the Menomonee Falls Food Pantry, or a charity of your choice.