Potter, Robert Frederick

Robert Frederick Potter, 93, of Mineral Point, WI, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at New Glarus Nursing Home in New Glarus, WI. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 18th at the Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI. Burial with military honors accorded will be in the Graceland Cemetery in Mineral Point, WI. Family and friends may call on Saturday, January 18th from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Crematory in Cuba City, WI is serving the family.

Robert was born on November 30, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI to Robert P. & Mildred (Fossum) Potter. He studied art & architecture at the University of Illinois Urbana in Champaign, IL and was a member of Alpha Rho Chi Fraternity. In college, Robert enlisted in the Army ROTC and the earned his diploma from the Engineer School US Army of Fort Belvoir, VA in 1954. His assignment for the Korean Conflict was Engineer Supplies and Spare Parts Officer. He was honorably discharged on July 4, 1955 as a Reserve Commissioned Office Grade of First Lieutenant in the Army. He served from 1953 to 1955 and earned the National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal. Robert returned home and worked as an architect in Milwaukee designing commercial building. He took ceramic classes and found he had a passion for it and wanted to do it full time. Robert came to Mineral Point and found many buildings for sale. He fell in love with 35 High Street in the Fall. He opened an art gallery and spent the rest of his life restoring the building. Potter was a successful, innovative artist and professional potter. All of his work was stoneware, mostly of hand-built forms, usually textural and finished with a mat glaze. He specialized in one-of-a-kind pieces, such as vases, weed pots, planters and wall hangings. He enjoyed designing each piece for its sculptural effect. 

Potter participated in art fairs in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, including invitational show, such as the Falls Invitational Art Fair, Menomonee Falls, WI, The Wilhelm Tell Art Fair in New Glarus, WI, Art Fair ‘76 in Milwaukee, WI and Art Fair on the Square in Madison, WI. Joseph Stalin’s daughter, Svetlana Stalin came into Robert’s gallery and bought Christmas gifts of pottery. Her married name was Lana Peters. She lived in Spring Green, WI. Also, Jean Lucy, Governor Patrick Lucy’s wife came into the gallery and bought a hanging planter for her home. His works have been displayed at the Madison Art Center in Madison, WI, The Ozaukee Art Center in Cedarburg, WI, Pendarvis Historic Site in Mineral Point, WI, The Harry Nohr Gallery, UW-Platteville, The Fourth Street Artist Gallery in Dubuque, IA (a one man show) and the Paul Wagoneer Gallery in Chicago, IL (Alternative ’81 Exhibition). Robert’s work can still be found on-line and still demands a competitive price. 

Robert decided to start a wooden desk accessory business Xylem with Jim Smeja in the 1980’s. In the 1990’s, he rented space to George DeFore who restored antique clocks; which Robert later learned how to do as well, that later lead to his interest in antique furniture restoration. Potter’s restoration business continued into the late 1990’s; he also continued working on restoration projects on his building. 

On April 28, 1995, he married Lynette Wilson in Milwaukee, WI. In 1996, they welcomed their daughter, Nettie Potter. Robert was a wonderful and devoted Husband and Father.

Potter was also known for being an avid tool collector and prided himself on being a Charter Member of the Midwest Tool Collectors Association. He was the last living Charter Member. He collected antique tools for over 50 years and help organize the Mineral Point Tool Show & Sale in 1999.

Robert worked with Myron Bergenske to design a brick path on the lower jail alley, which beautified the City of Mineral Point. It made that area quieter and safer for the residents and is still part of the city today.

A true renaissance man, Robert had multiple interests, including: classic cars, opera, history, classic music, art, clocks and tools. His skills were plumbing, electrical, mechanical and carpentry. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Robert is survived by his wife, Lynette of Mineral Point, WI; his daughter, Nettie of Madison, WI; his father-in-law, Kenneth (Gale) Wilson of Lancaster, WI; 4 brothers-in-law: Kim (Wanda) Wilson of Deerfield, WI, Kurt (Teri) Wilson of Lodi, WI, Kevin (Toni) Wilson of Warsaw, ID & Eric Wilson of Madison, WI; 2 sisters-in-law: Kathleen Cox of Madison, WI & Elizabeth Wilson of Platteville, WI; 12 nieces & nephews, and 13 great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert P & Mildred (Fossum) Potter, a brother, Ross (Fran) Potter and a mother-in-law, Karen Wilson-Stoker.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haudenshieldfuneralhome.com