Robert O. Southard

Southard, Robert O.

Robert O. Southard, 91, a Green Bay resident, died Sunday night, October 25, 2015, at a local hospital following a brief illness. He was born May 2, 1924 in Arena, WI to the late Robert and Daisy (Roberts) Southard. Bob graduated from Arena High School and the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Following college he served in the US Navy during WWII and the Korean War. When his active duty was fulfilled Bob remained in the reserves until his military retirement as a Lieutenant.

Bob began his career in radio broadcasting in Madison and Marinette before making the switch to broadcast television. His career presented many opportunities at all three major network television affiliates in Green Bay, from sales, to anchor and ending up as the General Manager for WFRV until his retirement. After retiring from WFRV, he became the National Sales Director for WBAY. Bob was a member of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association and was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He was a very active member of our community and will be remembered as a kind and generous man. He held board positions with numerous organizations including the Salvation Army, Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, UWGB Founders Association and the NEW Curative Workshop. Bob was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the UWGB Founders Association and a lifetime member of the Green Bay Downtown Rotary as well as a past president of Brown County United Way.

Bob married Martha (Back) Moore on August 1, 1986 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church. He and Martha enjoyed ballroom dancing and danced competitively in the US National Amateur Dancesport. He was also an avid reader and of course Bob was an avid Packer fan and only until recently couldn't go to a game. He had a passion for growing roses, listened to classical music and always enjoyed a round of golf. Bob and Martha traveled after retirement, enjoying all the sites along the way. He was a member of First United Methodist Church and also Holy Cross Parish in Bay Settlement.

He is survived by his wife Martha and five children: Robert Southard, Venice Beach, CA; Victoria "Mikki" (Eric) Lairson, Newberg, OR; Christine (David) Moore Robins, Columbus, GA; Steven Moore (Sarah Ott) and Jennifer Moore Pamperin (Pat Roeser), all of Green Bay; eight grandchildren: Selah (Aaron) Bingle; Madelyn Lairson; Garrett Robins; Kayla Robins; Michael Moore; Rachel Moore; Jacob Carpenter and Jordan Carpenter; three great grandchildren: Eloise Bingle, Lyla Lairson and Ashtyn Carpenter; one brother-in-law, John Herzog, PA; two nephews, Nate and Tim Herzog.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Madelyn K. (McShea) Southard and three children, Pamela Southard, Phillip L. Southard and infant daughter, Laurie Southard; one sister, Ruth Herzog.

Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. from 4:00-8:00 pm Thursday. Parish rosary 7:00 pm Thursday. Visitation will continue on Friday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 3009 Bay Settlement Rd. after 10:00 am until time of Mass. Funeral Mass 11:00 am Friday at the church with Rev. Michael Weber officiating. Burial in the Holy Cross Cemetery. On-line condolences may be sent to the Southard family at www.prokowall.com. In lieu of floral expressions a memorial fund has been established in Bob's name.