Robert Higley

Robert T. Higley, age 88 of the Town of Seymour, passed away on Wednesday March 27. Bob was born on May 4, 1935 in Eau Claire to the late William Higley and Helen Johnson.

He attended Eau Claire Senior High and played football and baseball. He later played softball in the Uniroyal League. Bob met Jean Drenth at a movie and they later married on November 25, 1953 in Stillwater, MN at the St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Bob served six years with the National Guard and six years with the Army Reserves. He was honorably discharged.

Bob and Jean had five boys: Tom, Rick, Tim, Steve and Chris. When the boys were growing up, Bob coached the boys in sports - basketball at the YMCA and little league and Babe Ruth in baseball. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, waterskiing, boating and golfing. When the boys grew older, Bob and Jean enjoyed traveling.

He was employed at Uniroyal for 37 years, retiring in 1992 when the plant shutdown.

Bob is survived by his wife of 70 years, Jean; 5 boys, Tom (Margaret), Rick (JoAnne), Tim, Steve (Karen) and Chris; grandchildren, Chad (Jill), Robert (Amber), Jason (Kristy), Dan (Jenny), Bradley (Dawn), Taylor (Devan), Jordan, Josh (Jenny), Jake (Heidi), Jordan (Jessie); 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents; grandson, Bryan; brother, Charles, five sisters, Gerry, Lois, Juanita, Beatrice and Joan.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 13 at Ascension Lutheran Church, 1500 Peterson Ave., Eau Claire with Pastor Lloyd Harter officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until time of service. Burial will take place at St. Bridget's Cemetery.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at cremationsociety-wi.com.