Robert L. Wellnitz

Robert (Bob) Leroy Wellnitz, age 84, of Fond du Lac, died peacefully at his home with his family on January 6, 2014. Bob was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on October 19, 1929. He was the youngest son of Edgar and Anna (Clemens) Wellnitz. Bob graduated from Oakfield High School in 1947 and throughout his life time he kept close ties with classmates and friends from the communities of Oakfield and Byron. In 1952 he married Betty Jean Wolf and together they began their marriage of 61 years.In 1997 on their 25th wedding anniversary, Bob and Betty renewed their vows. Then they took their second of only three trips in their married lives. Bob and Betty visited Washington D.C. and enjoyed viewing many of the historical sites in and around Washington. Besides Bob's interest in farming he also liked the subject of history, Bob was an active member of the Byron Historical Society and in 2013 he was honored to receive Byron's Citizen of the Year Award.All of his life Bob was a dairy farmer. He was the 4th generation farmer who along with his wife Betty, operated the Wellnitz Family Homestead until he retired at the age of 70 in 2001. Bob was a lifetime member of St. John's Parish in Byron. He was also active in the National Farmer's Organization (NFO), the Future Farmer's Association (FFA), a member of the Jefferson School Board, the Farm Bureau, the Board of Appeals for the Town of Byron, and owner of Wellnitz RC Fly Field.Bob's love for animals began when he was a small boy on the farm. Later as an adult farmer he raised and took pride in caring for his herd of Holstein cows. When he was farming one of Bob's favorite pastimes was attending auctions. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends, reading, going to dances with his wife Betty, and watching Packer games. In later years he took pleasure feeding and watching birds, listening to the Lawrence Welk Show, and going to McDonalds to have his senior coffee every morning around 6AM.Bob is survived by his wife, Betty; four children, Mary Ann (Armond) Pahnke, Fond du Lac, Leona (Kim) Havens, Darlington, WI, Robert Wellnitz Jr., Fond du Lac, and Michael (Cindy) Wellnitz, Fond du Lac; five grandchildren, Lisa (Jim) Huebner, Pewaukee, Anthony (Marlene) Pahnke, MN, Tanner Havens, Darlington, Cory Moss, Fond du Lac, and Courtney (Adam) Moss, Portland, OR; two great grandchildren, Gannon James Huebner and Lisa Yatzil Betty Pahnke-Rojas. Preceding Bob in death were his parents; one brother, Edgar Wellnitz Jr.; his youngest son, James Wellnitz; his brothers-in-law, George Immel and Roger Wolf; a sister-in-law, Rose Wolf; and a niece, Cindy Immel.Bob's family is very grateful to the staff of both the Agnesian Cancer Care Center and the Agnesian Hospice Hope Program. The hospice staff gave Bob wonderful and compassionate care which allowed Bob to remain in his home until his death.



Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 pm on Friday, January 10, 2014 at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 N. Park Ave. The funeral service will be held at 6PM Friday at the funeral home, all are welcome to attend.Cremation will follow the traditional services. Due to the harsh winter conditions Bob's family will celebrate his life with family and friends in June, (a specific date will be arranged at a later time.)Uecker-Witt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.ueckerwitt.com.