Robert L. Hodgson

Robert L. “Bob” Hodgson passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, in his childhood hometown of Merrill, Wisconsin, proof that even at the end, he preferred familiar territory.

Born to Harvey and Elizabeth “Betty” Hodgson, Bob was the older brother of Marilyn (Tom) Tewes and grew up on a dairy farm in the Town of Schley outside Merrill. He learned early the value of hard work, responsibility, and how to fix things, all skills that served him well both on the farm and later in life. Bob attended Heller School for grades 1–8 and later graduated from Merrill High School, where he competed in numerous debate tournaments, sharpening the quick wit and sharp mind he would be known for. Armed with a strong work ethic and that famously “big brain,” he went on to become an electrical engineer.

While earning his degree at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Bob met his future wife, Maria Lischalk. Together they raised three sons, Steve (Raina), Scott (Kay), and Dan (Karen), all of whom he was immensely proud of and quick to claim as “excellent,” whether they deserved it or not. Though his marriage later ended, his devotion to his sons never wavered and only grew as his family expanded.

Bob spent many years working as an electrical engineer for Honeywell. Outside of work, he could usually be found fixing something around the house in Barrington, Illinois, loading the family into the car for camping trips, or reminding his kids, often loudly, that he was not afraid to pull over if they didn’t stop arguing. Those same kids later “repaid” him by giving him 7 grandchildren, who brought him more joy than he could ever properly put into words: Paxton, Kasper, Avery, Sean, Ethan, Caden, and Sofie, along with great-grandsons Sterling and Koda. Bob delighted in every opportunity to share his legendary dad jokes and “amazing” sense of humor with them, whether they asked for it or not.

A devoted Green Bay Packers fan, Bob especially enjoyed watching them win—and enjoyed it even more when he could talk a little smack to Dan and Scott, lifelong Bears fans. When he wasn’t cheering on the Pack, Bob spent a lot of his time on coin collecting and learning about new technologies and space exploration (again, “big brain”). He dearly loved his sister Marilyn, her husband Tom, and their children and grandchildren.

Son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and neighbor—Bob was many things to many people. No matter the role he played in your life, he was grateful to be part of it and likely left you with a joke, a story, or at least a good eye roll.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert’s memory to: The Colon Cancer Alliance (https://colorectalcancer.org/get-involved/give/donate-now) or The American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org).

No visitation is planned. A private Celebration of Life for close family will be held in the coming months.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com