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Robert "Bob" Worth

1930 - 2021

Robert "Bob" Worth obituary, 1930-2021, Stevens Point, WI

BORN

1930

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Boston Funeral Home & Crematory

1649 Briggs St

Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Robert Worth Obituary

Robert "Bob" Worth

Stevens Point - Bob Worth, husband, father, grandfather, local community leader, businessman and musician passed away on Sunday March 7th, 2021 of natural causes. He was 91.

Bob was born at St. Michael's Hospital in Stevens Point on January 13, 1930. He was the son of Joseph and Edythe Worth, Canadian immigrants of German and Swedish descent. He attended Lincoln Elementary school, Emerson Middle School, and graduated from P. J. Jacobs High School in 1947. After high school, he served for one year in the U.S. Air Force in Sherman, Texas. After returning to Stevens Point, he attended Central State Teachers College (now UWSP).

It was while attending college that he met his future wife and the love of his life, Marilyn Esidor. They were married for over 70 years, raised their three children that he loved dearly, and grew deep roots in Stevens Point.

Bob worked part time for his father during high school and college at The Worth Company, a local fishing products manufacturer. He joined the company full time in 1951 and became President and owner after his father's death in 1959. He retired in 1986.

Bob had several passions. The first was this community. Bob served on the Board of Education for the Stevens Point Area School District, the Community Foundation of Central WI, the Portage County Business Council, and the UWSP Foundation. He was also President of the Portage County Economic Development Corporation and the Governor's Taskforce on Small Business. In his spare time, he served on the boards of M&I First National Bank (BMO), Worzalla Publishing, the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association, the Community Fund (United Way) and the Central WI Environmental Station. He established one of the first scholarships in the UWSP College of Natural Resources for Fisheries students. He also received the UWSP Distinguished Alumni Award. After his retirement, he and Marilyn traveled extensively across the U.S., often taking 2-3 week driving trips across all parts of America. He and Marilyn also delivered Meals on Wheels to Portage County residents. Bob loved Stevens Point and strived to make Central Wisconsin a better place to live for everyone. His wit and smile were known by many in his community. Although extremely active in the community, he was not particularly athletic, and often said "Whenever I feel the urge to exercise, I lie down until it passes."

Bob's second passion was music and drumming. He began playing the drums in high school and continued for the rest of his life. As a young man, he often traveled to the Indian Crossing Casino on the Chain-of-Lakes to hear bands like Woody Herman, Count Basie, and Les Brown. He played in marching bands, military bands, polka bands, swing bands, The Stevens Point City Band, and the Central Wisconsin Symphony Orchestra. As a young man, he toured the Midwest with The Jolly Dutchmen Polka Band, small jazz combos, and finally with a well-known local Dixieland band, The Uncalled Four. He occasionally sat in with famous musicians such as Pete Fountain, Steve Allen and the Bunny Berigan Tribute Band.

Bob is survived by Marilyn, his wife of 70 years; his three children, David Worth (Cindy) of Stevens Point, Robin Worth (Pete Figiel) of Palm Springs, CA, and Leslie Worth of Portland, OR; and his four grandchildren, Grant Worth of Brooklyn, NY, Tim Worth (Laura ) of Stevens Point, Adrian De Maio of Madison and India De Maio of Brooklyn, NY. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother Joseph Worth. He is also survived by his 1975 Slingerland drum set.

Bob will be remembered for many things, his service to his community, his successful business career, his love of music, and his love for his family. He will particularly be remembered for his soft-spoken wit. Even during his final hours, he was heard to say to his nurse "If I had known I'd live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself."

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no funeral. The family has requested that no flowers be sent, but memorials may be made to the UWSP Music Department c/o the UWSP Foundation. In Bob's memory, he requested that we play the Duke Ellington song, "Don't get around much anymore".

Online condolences may be made at bostonfuneralhome.net.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Stevens Point Journal from Mar. 10 to Mar. 11, 2021.

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5 Entries

Robert Heitzinger

March 27, 2021

What a great man! Talented, generous and funny; he'll be remembered for many years to come.

Randy Charles

March 17, 2021

So sorry to hear of Bib’s passing. He was one of the first to welcome me into the Stevens Point musical community back in 1968 when I first came to Stevens Point from Lockport, NY to study music at UWSP. Often times he would invite me to sit in with the Uncalled Four at Treasure Island! A great life lived!! RIP Bob.

Randy Charles

March 17, 2021

So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was one of the first local people that welcomed me into the Stevens Point community upon my arriving from Lockport, NY in 1968. While the drummer in The Uncalled Four, he invited me to sit in at their Thursday night gig at Treasure Island. We grew to be friends.
What a life lived!!! RIP Bob!

Nancy Jaeckel Holleran

March 15, 2021

I was a teen when my brother, Wayne Jaeckel became friends with Bob. As I recall they played in one, if not more bands together. Bob was referred to by Jake as a gentleman, a fine musician and a good friend. Sympathies to you Marilyn, I remember your name as well.

Judy Moen Suchowski

March 11, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a great boss and very understanding. He was always kind. He will be missed.

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1649 Briggs St, Stevens Point, WI 54481

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