U.S. Veteran

Robert M. Pearce, 81, of Platteville died on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at St. Mary's Hospital, Madison. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2017 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Belmont. Rev. Jim Leeser will officiate. Burial will be at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery, Cuba City, where military rites will be accorded. Friends may call from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, where there will be a rosary at 1:45 p.m.; friends may also call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday, at the church. Memorials may be made to the Robert M. Pearce Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

Robert was born on October 7, 1935 in Cuba City, Wisconsin, son of Maurice and Ella (Olson) Pearce. He was united in marriage to Judy Heim on October 18, 1958 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Cuba City. Bob always said, “If I hadn't tripped, she never would have caught me, and I'm lucky I tripped”. Bob served in the United States Army National Guard and was called up during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He worked long hours at the Dubuque Pack, sold for Newton Advertisement, and later owned and operated Fish Haven Tropical Fish Store in Platteville for many years. Bob's commitment to his faith was evident through his involvement with the Knights of Columbus. While serving as District Deputy, Bob was instrumental in starting the Knights of Columbus councils in Hazel Green and Belmont. He was honored to have obtained the Fourth Degree designation within the Knights. He served on the Board for Badger Camp for 20 years, was active in Boy Scouts, and was very involved in the Platteville Community. He always enjoyed his circle of friends at the Platteville Senior Center where he liked to play cards, cribbage, and was known as the resident comedian. “The Senior Center will be too quiet without him”.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; seven children, Connie (Shawn) Steinhoff, Wayne (Deb Kruse) Pearce, Cheryl (Mike) Schmieder, William (Diane) Pearce, Christina “Tina” (David) Cleveland, Kim Mutert, and Misty (Shawn) Salmon; 17 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; one sister, Beverly “Joan” Kiesow; one sister-in-law, Janice (Harlan) Stuckey; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, David; and sisters, Ruth and Sr. Alain (Jeanette).

The family would like to THANK the medical and nursing staffs of Southwest Health Center and St. Mary's Hospital along with Dean Med Flight for all of their care given to Bob.

Robert Pearce

October 07, 1935 - September 13, 2017

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