Gunther, Sr., Robert W. (Bob)

Robert W. (Bob) Gunther, Sr., age 75, of Linden, WI passed away on Friday, January 10, 2025 following a short illness. Bob was born in Milwaukee, WI on October 19, 1949 to Gilbert W. and Cleo E. (Anderson) Gunther who raised their family in Pecatonica, IL.

Bob left high school early to enlist in the Army and served in Vietnam, earning his GED following his time of service to his country. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and North American Trappers Association.

Bob was most passionate about his Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ followed by his love for the outdoors. Bob was an avid outdoorsman and nature was his muse. He was a fisherman, hunter and trapper at his very core. Sharing these experiences with his children and other youngsters brought him great joy. He also loved to support young athletes so whether he was next to the wrestling mat, in the stands at the ball field or from the sidelines of a football field, you could always hear Bob cheering on the ‘pups’ he was there to support.

In July 2000 the unimaginable happened when Jacob Ray Gunther died as a result of a 3-wheeler accident. This loss was devastating to the family and especially to Bob as they were practically the same person in two different generations. Through this loss, the family grew to appreciate those precious moments in life and not to not take anything for granted. Following the loss of Jacob, the family gathered annually at Blackhawk Lake to remember Jake and celebrate his memory.

Bob is survived by his son Bobby Gunther of Madison; Bobby’s mother Joan Gunther of Fennimore; his stepchildren Jana (David) Haight of Platteville and Jesse (Becky) Williams of Lino Lakes, MN; ‘Big Bob’ is also survived by grandchildren, Trent, Riley, Lindsey, David, Evan and Julia. As well as his sisters Carol Hitchcock of Summerfield, Florida, Jean (Ron) Olson & Patricia (Tom) Gipe of Pecatonica, IL and his brother Richard Gunther of Pecatonica, IL; 8 nieces, 4 nephews, 34 great-nieces and nephews and 6 great-great nieces and nephews as well as friends, hunting and fishing buddies.

Bob was preceded by his son Jacob and infant son, Carson, his parents Gil & Cleo Gunther and his brother Dale Gunther and his brother-in-law Harold “Whitey” Hitchcock.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025 at GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville, where a short service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Wayne Kennedy officiating.

The family would like to especially thank Dave and Carrie Busse and family for the constant above and beyond support of Bob and of our family, especially since his accident in Oct 2015.

Memorials will be used to fulfill Bob’s wishes to be close to Jake forever.

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers

 Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com