Robert "Bob" Lulling

1922 - 2021

Lulling, Robert M. "Bob"

MADISON/LODI/MONONA - Robert M. "Bob" Lulling, age 98, of Monona, passed away on Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Oak Park Place. He was born on May 1, 1922, in Madison, the son of Wallace and Rachel (Schimming) Lulling.

Bob attended Madison East High School. Upon graduating, he attended Madison Business College and the University of Wisconsin. He worked for a short time at Gardner's Bakery before being employed for 34 and a half years at Forest Products Laboratory in Madison. Most of his research was devoted to the evaluation of adhesive strength of glued joints in wood and nonporous materials such as various aircraft metals, compressed paper and wood, and fiberglass. Bob also evaluated several types of machines used to conduct nondestructive testing of the integrity of adhesive bonded joints in metal-to-metal substrates. He authored and co-authored several reports and received a Certificate of Merit for substantially exceeding the requirements of his position before retiring in 1977.

Bob met Jean L. LeRoy in high school; became sweethearts and married soon after. Together for 64 years, they raised three sons, Larry, Darrel, and George. After retirement, Bob and Jean built an apartment and retail shop in downtown Lodi. They called the shop Pere Noel and specialized in Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter items. The shop was open from June to January, leaving time to visit all of the states west of the Mississippi River and about half of those east of the river.

Bob was a 32 Degree Master Mason and was awarded a certificate for 40 years of membership in 2002. He was a past member of the Capital City Campers and the Cosmos Dance Club, standing as President when the dance club celebrated its 50th anniversary. His most enjoyable undertaking was playing the drums and teaching his craft to his many students. Bob started playing in the high school band and orchestra and in 1940 he became a professional dance band drummer. He learned to play under the leadership of Rollo Layan, a mentor of Gene Krupa, the drummer for the Benny Goodman Band. In 1939, he was the principal drummer in the All-State Orchestra and also played in the All-State Band. He was a featured soloist, using a full drum set while playing in the City Band at Vilas Park. Bob was a member of the Madison Musicians Union and served on the wage board. He served a term as President of the Zor Shrine Concert Band, Vice President of the Noblemen Dance Band, and from 1950 to 1960 he was co-owner of the Bob Arden Dance Band. For 25-plus years he played drums in the Soon to Be Famous Lodi Band and most recently, he played for the Rhythm Band at the Monona Senior Center.

Bob is survived by his son, George (Mary); daughter-in-law, Kathryn; two sisters, Beverly Capon and Diana Buchholtz; grandchildren, Dennis (Kimberly), Dale (Brandy), Robert (Stephanie), and Paul (Crystal); great-grandchildren, Zachary, Rebecca, and Jenna; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; two sons, Larry and Darrel; parents; and sister, Virginia Barba.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420