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Robert John Ayers

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West Allis Central High School Central High School Central Wisconsin Christian School Central High School

Robert Ayers Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Robert John Ayers
Start: 2018-10-14T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2018-10-14T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Lighthouse Inn

Robert John (Bobby) Ayers

Sheboygan - Robert John Ayers (Bobby) died suddenly and peacefully at his beloved Woodcarving Shop on Saturday, October 6, 2018. Bobby was the youngest son of Joseph and Helen Ayers of Sheboygan, WI. He graduated from his beloved Central High School and went on to earn his Masters Degree from UW La Crosse. He married his high school sweetheart Dorothy Ayers (Dot) (nee Adamavich) and they settled in Manitowoc, WI where he taught at Wilson Junior High until his retirement. During his teaching years he was also a passionate and successful basketball coach. Upon retirement, he was in his element holding court at his impressive Woodcarving Shop. While, Bobby's talent was in sports and carving, his heart belonged to his grandchildren; Zoe, Cristina, Antonio, Jake, and Leah. Along with Dot, and his grandkids, he is also lovingly survived by his sisters, Shirley Zerger and Barbara Cyr, his brother Jim Ayers, and his adoring children Beth Ayers, Sara Bibik, and John Ayers. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lighthouse Inn, Two Rivers on Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 1pm-4pm. Please come to chat, tell stories, and toast Bobby's remarkable life.

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

Published by Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter on Oct. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Ayers

Sponsored by the Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter.

35 Entries

Art Van Damme

October 4, 2024

Loved the guy, think of him often, especially when I see his carving, take care Dot, Sarah, Beth and John

Art Van Damme

October 4, 2023

I can't believe he's gone, it was a thrill and an honor to sit in his shop and listen to him, I looked up to him so much. I was lucky enough to student teach for him, I looked up to him so much. R I P Bob, we'll meet again

Art Van Damme

Art Van Damme

October 4, 2022

I can't believe it's been 5 years. I would give everything I have to stop at his shop and spend a couple of hours with him. I've never looked up to another person as much as I did to Bob. I hope his family is doing good

Arthur Van Damme

October 4, 2021

Think about Bob daily, I truly loved the guy and couldn't wait to stop and see him. Dottie, I hope you and your kids are doing good and remembering all the good times. Bob loved his family.
Take care,
Art

Todd Luce

October 4, 2020

Hard to believe its 2 years. Sure miss the visits at his shop. I would bring his old college buddy Paul Frelich along. Those were some stories. Bobby would have that intimidating look about him but then a big smile would follow. He talked proudly of his family, especially his grand kids. I still have many of his carvings in our rec room. all one of a kind you might say. It's sad when you drive by his shop but lots of memories came from it. Thank you Bobby for your friendship and kindness through years.

October 17, 2018

The loss of a love one is difficult. May the precious memories you have help you cope and bring you peace. 1 Thes. 4:14 can bring you some comfort knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be reassuring. May the God of peace be with you and your family.
Linda

Ed Nierstedt

October 15, 2018

To the Ayers Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I only met Bob once and in just that one meeting I could tell that I was in the presence of a great man who touched many, many lives. I am good friends with Rick Fischer and that is how I got to see and spend over 1 hour in Bob's Woodshop! What an experience it was. We talked about sports (mostly basketball) and life and of course he mentioned his love of family and his children and grandchildren.

When Rick told me of Bob's passing I felt very sad even though I had only met Bob once and for only an hour so I felt I wanted to pass on my condolences to the Ayers family. With deep sympathy to all of you. Ed Nierstedt. Myrtle Beach, SC.

Keith Keil

October 14, 2018

My condolences to the Ayers family.

Bob was truly a great man. I have many great memories of shooting the breeze with Bob in his store. I was usually accompanied by my father Jerry Keil, or my kids. We enjoyed talking about Bob's art, sports, family, having a few laughs and just enjoying the moment. Our family has several pieces of Bob's art which will always remind us of Bob and those precious memories.

Robert May

October 14, 2018

Unfortunately, I never really got to know Booby Ayers. But I do know, m y sons( Steve and Bill) knew him as a teacher and coach at Wilson Jr. High. Both of my sons thought very highly him and had a great deal of respect for Mr. Ayers. Billy often said Bobby Ayers and Ron Rubick had a big influence on him in athletics and in the game of life.

Bob May

Leah Petersen

October 14, 2018

Beth and family, I am so very sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I remember hearing so many great stories about him. I know he was an amazing person who raised a beautiful family. His legacy lives on in all of you. I'm sending love, hugs and prayers to you.

Don Cooley

October 12, 2018

I moved to Manitowoc in 1985 to be the Principal of Wilson Junior High because of the influence Bob had on me during the interview process. He had piercing eyes that could read what you were thinking, and knew what you were about to say before you said gift. Of the hundreds of teachers I know, he was one of the most child oriented teachers with which I have ever worked. He was also a great mentor to our young teachers and coaches and held " court" in his office each day. We all had a great life just trying to live up to Bob's expectations. I miss you dear friend.

Don Cooley

Michelle Hamby

October 12, 2018

I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. I had the great honor of working with Mr. Ayers at Wilson Jr. High. He was such an awesome teacher and coach and one of the finest people I know. I will never forget his morning smiles. Please know he will Rest In Peace in heaven. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Michelle (Deering) Hamby

Ursula

October 12, 2018

To the Ayers family: May your hearts be comforted by the God of all comfort at this difficult time.

October 12, 2018

Dorothy and Family, I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy at the loss of Bob. I have many fond memories from High School. Gail Zinkel (Grosskopf)
Manitowoc

October 12, 2018

Condolences to the Ayers family on your loss. Coach Ayers was my coach during freshmen year in 1969, and it was a year to remember in so many ways. He taught us all about many things in life. He was "one of kind" in many respects. He expected and demanded your total effort. I last saw him a couple years ago on a visit to the Shop with my Dad and it was so great catching up... He was always there for you if needed and I can't remember how many times is expedited a carving order if I needed something. I wish I could be there on Sunday but I will be out of town.
Mike Sullivan

Bill Bensman

October 12, 2018

Bobby was a big kid I looked up to growing up in Sheboygan. I remember playing baseball at Roosevelt Park when Bobby, who was probably 15 or 16, was the umpire. Kids were excited to have him ump because he was fair, he was a good ballplayer himself and he was willing to help younger kids learn the game. He set a great example. Deepest condolences to the Ayers family.

Tom Tadych

October 11, 2018

I saw Bob the first time in the Manitowoc Classic softball league . I started my own team at age 16 and pitched. The first game we played was against the vaunted Kenny's Club. This marine looking guy scared the pee out of me as they kicked our_ _ _ Over the last 15 years I got to know Bob well. I bought over 100 pieces and still have several. Two weeks ago he demanded I stay and watch the Brewers /Cubs playoff game with him. I told Dot & Jon that he gave me that" time to get your butt out of here Tadych look". Now I cherish that hour we shared our unique perspective of sports. He paid me this compliment which I will NEVER forget. I quote" who the hell else understands sports like you and me" ? This Lombardi table is as far as I know the only one he made. I asked him to do Vince and Bucky on my coffee table. So glad I did, You are a legend Bob. I only wish I had met you earlier and had the chance to play ball for you. I know I sure would have been a better player and a better person. I really really really loved meeting Bob, if you didn't you missed something.

Tom Tadych

October 11, 2018

Scott Rosinsky

October 11, 2018

So sorry for your loss. Bob was my teacher at Wilson back in the early 80's and the best one at that! My rec room is filled with Bobs unbelievably carvings. Most recent he did one for me to honor my service in the United States Army that is absolutely amazing! God called Bob home to carve a welcome to heaven sign. Rest In Peace Bob I'm really going to miss our chats in your shop.

Amaya Tara Beitzel

October 11, 2018

Mr Ayers was my gym teacher years ago, & he showed me so much kindness & understanding inside class and out. I was being bullied at school pretty badly; he looked out for me without my having to ask, & he gave me confidence when I had none at all.

I used to stop in the shop to chat to him until I moved away, & I'll always regret not popping in again once I moved back.

He was, & will ever remain, one of the nicest & best people I've ever known. This world was made better because he was in it; whilst I'm so sad that he's gone, I'm so grateful that I was fortunate enough to have known him.

Lots of love to the family, and to everyone mourning the loss of this wonderful man.

Pete Madsen

October 11, 2018

My greatest basketball moment was underneath Bob's 10-2 freshmen team at Washington Jr. High in '69. His name is mentioned in our book - Book of Boomers - Our Journey through Life, found on pages 86 and 87. I just remember and loved his wit during practice and at games. He is now beginning his "next season" in life, God Bless you on that journey. Retired teacher and coach - Pete Madsen

Jody Keil

October 11, 2018

Ayers Family,

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob. Hearing of this news brought back so many memories of basketball. He was always a great coach and motivator. And, he was a kind man. I will always remember my Dad stopping at the woodshop to talk to Bob and shake some dice and Christmas Eve. He will be sadly misse d and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Jody (Robinson) Keil

Cindy Felde

October 11, 2018

Thoughts and prayers to the family of this incredible man!! Bobby brightened every day for me at my job at the Wellness Center:) I never met a man so sweet and caring and so kind....he has given me some of the best memories ever....truly a very special person, someone I will NEVER forget.

John V. Ackerman

October 10, 2018

Visiting Bob was always a highlight when Trish and I would make our annual trip north. What fun we had seeing the latest creation and the artistic displays in his shop.We rarely left without a treasure in hand or placing an order for a future pick-up. We will remember him when we view our various purchases. May his light shine eternal....

Jeremy Seidl

October 10, 2018

There are people in our lives that shape who we are today. Bob Ayers was one of those for me. He and Ron Balzan helped give me some hope when my parents divorced when I was at Wilson Junior High. I will never forget all the extra time he took for me and how he helped get me my very first job.

Tanya Ullman

October 10, 2018

So sorry for your loss! So happy I was able to visit with the two of you at the Fat Seagull a couple of weeks ago.

Don Sterkel

October 10, 2018

Condolences to the Ayer's family. Bobby was one of the "High Ave gang" growing up and an amazing pitcher. Many years, but good memories.

Todd Luce

October 10, 2018

We were sad to hear about Bobby's passing. Karen and I were just at his shop 2 weeks ago for a visit. He had such a talent with his carved signs and I have about 20 pieces of his work proudly displayed in in our rec room. Paul Frelich, one of his many college buddies and I would stop by his shop to share friendship and a lot of funny stories. He would always talk highly of his family, especially his grandkids. We sure are going to miss that smile and he left this world doing what he enjoyed so much. Creating beautiful pieces of carved art that we believe will never be duplicated. It was a pleasure to have known you Bobby and you will be missed. Our sympathy to the Ayers family and know that you are all in our prayers.

October 10, 2018

Dot, John, Sarah and Beth, I loved your father and respected him as much as any person in my life. I can't imagine your sorrow, I'm crushed

Art Van Damme

Grant Houghton

October 10, 2018

Family, sorry for your loss. You were great neighbors when I lived on North 16th. We still have some of Bobs' early woodworking proudly displayed in our dining room and library. Condolences and thanks for the memories.

October 10, 2018

My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
We will definitely miss Bobby's warm and friendly smile that greeted us each and every morning at the Wellness Center!
Sending my prayers,
Ruthann Ross

Mary Pozorski

October 10, 2018

So sorry for your loss, the happy corner in heaven is welcoming Bob with open arms. With sympathy the Jim Pozorski family

October 10, 2018

I played baseball in the late 50's with Bobby , he was a really good pitcher with his fast ball and we did win a lot of games when he was pitching. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.

Lyle E. Watson
Sun City Center, FL

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results