Robert W Bruder

Robert W. Bruder

04/28/41- 08/26/25

Born on April 28th 1941 in Tarr Valley, Wi to Harry and Barbara Bruder as the fourth of eight siblings. Growing up he appreciated his father's generosity and willingness to help strangers and reflected this throughout his life. Years later, while working a shift at the Tunnel City Cheese Factory, he glanced out the window and noticed a young woman walking down the street, she would change his life forever. Without even knowing her name, he turned to his boss and declared, "There's the woman I'm going to marry." Later he would laugh and admit, "I don't know why I said that. Marriage wasn't even on my mind until that second I saw her." Yet, true to his word, he married the love of his life, Betty(Elizabeth Meyers), on March 5, 1966. Together they raised four children: Kathy Pichette (Oren), Eric Bruder (Denise), Vicki Peltier (Dan), and Heidi Laszewski (Troy). He also enjoyed his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Beyond building a life together, Betty also introduced Bob to having a relationship with someone who would become his closest friend, Jehovah God. He was baptized in 1972 as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and their shared faith became their strongest bond. He had many jobs over the years such as working for a Cheese Factory in Tunnel City and Bangor, Dolly Madison Dairy delivering milk to homes, Tomah Hardware, the Tomah VA Medical Center for 25 years, and the Town of Greenfield Dump. It was outside of work where his true interests were and where we saw many more of his qualities as a person shine through. He loved every part of fishing from tying his own flies to being out in nature, enjoying not just catching the big ones but also the 'little ones', and taking opportunities to help share the joy of fishing. When it came to fly tying he did so like a craftsman perfecting a piece of art, each one was carefully constructed with precision. Qualities like his artistry, attention to detail, and organization that might not have been immediately obvious were seen through his fly tying. When he would help others fish you could see more qualities like his generosity and love for children. Whether it was in sharing techniques, baits, or fixing up a broken fishing pole to leave anonymously on someone's doorstep, he always wanted others to share in the fun. You would often see him untangle his grandkids fishing line without seeming to be bothered or setting up kids he didn't even know with a bubble and a fly, saying, 'Now don't let your parent use your pole. I want you to catch all the fish.' It was amazing during ice fishing season to see another talent come out when he would ice skate from one fishing hole to the next. With a quick tap of his skate heel, he reopened each hole that had frozen over. Some of his happiest moments ended with family gathered around a fish fry, complete with German Lettuce, laughter, and stories of the day's catch.

Bob's love of nature wasn't limited to the water. He found joy in spending time in the woods picking berries and nuts, and in tending to plants, especially his beloved geraniums. He also appreciated drives through the countryside past marshes, farmlands, and into town. For those who rode with him, the trip was never just about the scenery, it was about the running commentary that came with it. He would point out something along the way, launch into a story, and before long you were caught up in his memories and usually he would have you laughing before you even realized it. His wit and unintentional humor were part of what made him so enjoyable to be around. From his one line jokes to the lines of his caricature drawings you were entertained. Even a simple comment or funny observation could turn into a moment worth remembering, leaving those around him smiling and shaking their heads. When he wasn't making others laugh, Bob could often be found with a book in his hand. He loved reading for entertainment but even more so for study. His Bibles and study publications were a testament to his dedication; they were filled with underlined passages, notes, and organized into subjects. He didn't just study for himself, but he did so to be prepared to help others in the ministry and congregation. This deep study gave him strong conviction that the Bible's promises are true, and he looked forward with confidence to the time when God's Kingdom will transform the earth into a paradise. He was especially motivated to share those promises and the comforting assurance that one day God will bring peace to the earth, ending war and suffering, and reuniting loved ones who have passed. He felt strongly that everyone deserved to hear this message and was devoted to sharing it. Over the years, he and his wife Betty visited many congregations across the state where he gave public Bible talks. When he could no longer walk to people's homes to share the 'Good News', he was not stopped. Together he and Betty were known for calling people in their community on the phone every week, along with others in their congregation, to share this hope. This reflected their shared love for Jehovah, zeal for Bible truth, and their desire for others to have the hope that guided their lives.

His qualities endeared him to us all, leading many to know him as "Sweet Old Bob." His life was a great beginning to forever, and we look forward to being reunited with him.

On September 13th 2025 visitation is at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial talk at 1:30 p.m., at the Sparta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. Lunch will be served at Wisco 8, 2700 Riley Rd., Sparta.

September 13th, 2025

1:00 p.m. Visitation

1:30 p.m. Memorial Talk

Sparta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses

2091 W Wisconsin St

Sparta, WI 54656

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Meeting ID: 455 762 2933

Password: Daniel9:25

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+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)