Robert "Bob" Vanderberg

1937 - 2026

Robert "Bob" Dean Vanderberg, 88, of Osceola, IA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Eastern Star Masonic Home, Boone, IA.

Bob was born on January 14, 1937, in Fairchild, WI, son of Lester and Tracy (Schlicter) Vanderberg. At a young age his family moved to Antigo, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Antigo High School in 1955. He earned a degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1959. He married his former wife, Josephine "Jo" Aulik, on December 28, 1955.

Bob proudly served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard alongside his brother-in-law, Robert "Bob" Crowe. In 1962, his unit was activated during the Cuban Missile Crisis, requiring travel across the country to Washington State for training - an experience he shared with his brother-in-law, even sharing a tent together.

Bob worked in agriculture, sales and business throughout his life, including the family potato brokerage business, Northern Farms-Ore Ida Foods, Sarah Coventry Jewelry, farming potatoes in Illinois, and ultimately as top salesman for Heritage Motors until his retirement.

Bob enjoyed spending time on the Mississippi River and took great pride in maintaining what many considered the best-looking yard and garden in town. In retirement, he has traveled throughout the United States before eventually returning to the Midwest. He spent his final years in Iowa under the loving care of his daughter, Michelle (Shelly) Kreuder.

Bob was survived by his daughters: Michelle "Shelly" (Glenn) Kreuder of Boone, IA, and Are'anne (Randy) Arb of Sun Prairie, WI; his son, Brian (Brenda) Vanderberg of Boerne, TX; seven grandchildren, Dr Amanda (Adam) Kreuder Krull, Christopher Kreuder, Matthew (Sara) Kreuder, Kayla Kreuder, Christopher Vanderberg, Michelle (Stephen) Hassett, Jeffrey (Mackenzie) Arb; and six great-grandchildren, Lauren, Addy, Charlie, Maeva, Darcy and Charlotte. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Robert "Bob" (Nancy) Crowe; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sons, Robert Vanderberg, Jr, and Micheal Vanderberg, and his sister, Nancy (Robert) Crowe.

A mass of intention will be held at St. Maria Goretti, 5313 Flad Avenue, Madison, WI at 5:00pm on February 22, 2026.