Robert James "Bob" Birkholz

Robert (Bob) James Birkholz, age 74 of Neenah passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on October 29, 2025, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton ICU surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born in Appleton, WI on December 1st, 1950, to the late Doris and Vernon Birkholz and was the 4th of 13 children.

Bob graduated from Appleton East High School where he was a basketball and football player. He loved running for many years and prided himself on staying active. He worked exceptionally hard at the same career for 40 years until he retired from Neenah Foundry in 2009. He found many hobbies he enjoyed including taekwondo (earning his second-degree black belt), baseball card and coin collecting, target shooting, hunting, riding his motorcycle or in his sports car, traveling, golfing with his sons, and being with his family.

Bob and the love of his life, Kathy (Kuchenbecker), were married on October 1st, 1983. Together they had two beautiful sons, Jared and Brett. Bob and Kathy just celebrated 42 years of marriage and were blessed to spend that time together enjoying everything life had to offer.

No matter where life's journey led him, Bob carried joy in his heart and poured it generously into every moment. His greatest treasures were never possessions, but the precious memories he created with his family. His deepest love was found in his grandchildren. Whether his voice rang out from the stands at their games, his eyes sparkled as he watched their performances, or he simply sat quietly (or if you knew him at full volume) by their side, Bob's presence was always a source of love and strength. His devotion to family was unwavering. Every day of his life was lived for them, and through them, his spirit will continue to shine brightly.

Bob is survived by his wife, Kathy "Love;" his children: Jared (Jacquelyn) Birkholz and Brett (Alyssa) Birkholz and his three grandchildren who he adored more than anything, Graham, Griffin, and Willow.

He is further survived by his son Eric Birkholz and granddaughter Autumn Birkholz; three brothers: William (Barb) Birkholz; Vernon Birkholz Jr.; Dann Birkholz; as well as by his six sisters: Ann (Don) Nystrom; Barb (John) Stafford; Joann (Mike) Jolette; Diane Birkholz; Betty (Ben) Brewer; Laurie (Rick) Schinke; sisters-in-law: Paula Birkholz; Judy Cooper; Janet Kuchenbecker; Debbie (Tom) Kopitzke; Diane Thompson; and brother-in-law: Dick Dahl, along with many other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Elmer and Ginny Kuchenbecker; son, Brad Birkholz; brother, Lee Birkholz; sisters, Lynn Dahl and Dawn Birkholz; niece, Trisha Nystrom; nephew, Brandon Birkholz; Tracy Birkholz; sisters-in-law, Marty (Beck) Birkholz; Ranee Oyler; brother-in-law, David Cooper.

The family extends their deepest and most heartfelt 'thank you' to the staff of ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton Cardiology and ICU team for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion during Bob's short time there.

A Christian Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church at 407 Oak Street, Neenah, Wisconsin. Visitation will be held at church from 9:00 A.M. to the time of service; lunch to follow.

Bob, Dad, Grandpa - you were truly one of a kind, and the world feels quieter without you in it. You will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved you. Your voice, your laughter, and the love you so freely gave will echo in our hearts forever. We love you google plus, and we will carry your spirit with us always.