Robert D. Moen

Robert D. Moen, age 76, of Wheeler, WI passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at his beloved farm.
He was born April 19th, 1948 in Eau Claire, WI to Norris and Lydia (Roduner) Moen. He grew up in the rural Wheeler area and graduated from Colfax High School in 1966. After high school he attended Chippewa Valley Technical College and earned a degree in Metal Fabrication.
In 1968, he volunteered for the draft and enlisted in the United States Army. He served in the Vietnam War from July 1968 to July 1969. He received many decorations, metals, badges, and commendations including The Combat Infantry Badge, which is the only army badge that a combat infantryman can wear. During his time in the service, he was promoted to Army Sergeant serving with the 4th infantry division.
Upon his return home from Vietnam, he helped his parents on the family farm and also worked at the Sand Creek Feed Mill.
In December of 1970, he met his loving wife Bess, at the local cafe where she worked in Ridgeland. They were married one year later on December 4, 1971 in Dallas, WI. They had four beautiful children Melissa, Colleen, Jolene, and Gregory. Bob and Bess raised their family in Ridgeland where Bess owned and operated The Hitch'n Post Café.
Bob worked for the Ridgeland Farmers Union and for Link Implement before moving onto the Dunn County Highway Department where he served the county for 30 years. He retired in June of 2015. During his free time while raising his family, he was known in the area for farm machinery repair. He took pride in every detail and the end result reflected his great abilities from his welding expertise and willingness to repair any type of farm equipment.
Bob served his community as a volunteer fire fighter for the Ridgeland Wilson Fire Department for 40 years and was named Fire Chief for 10 of those years. During that time he earned his First Responder certificate serving the Ridgeland, Dallas, and Prairie Farm areas. He also served on the Ridgeland Fair Board and taught Hunter's Safety for the area youth for many years. Bob was proud of the community he lived within.
Bob enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed activities that included softball, volleyball, bean bag leagues, seasonal camping, vacations with friends, numerous hunting trips, morning coffee and dice with friends at the Dairyland Cafe.
If you knew Bob, you knew how much he loved his John Deere Tractors. During the NTPA tractor pulls he would get his grandkids t-shirts from pulls and this was something the grandkids looked forward to throughout the years. The grandkids spent much of their youth with grandpa Bob at the pulls and driving the "Great" John Deere 4000.
One of Bob's most beloved times of the year was the deer opener in Wisconsin. The whole family prepared the land and Bess was up early making a "Hunter's Breakfast" to share around their table. Their bellies were always full and lots of laughs and jokes could be heard all through the weekend.
As the family grew and grandchildren arrived, Bob enjoyed sharing his grandkids accomplishments and seeing their names in the local papers which he kept right by his side to show off to anyone who came through their door. Bob loved sharing the hunting shack with them, cheering them on from the sidelines, recitals, being honored at the Veterans Day programs, and school concerts. His grandchildren are forever grateful for the memories and legacy he has left them.
His children would like everyone to know that Bob was a man who loved his family immensely. Everyone who knew Bob loved him. He was kindhearted, witty, hard working, and generous. Bob was willing to lend a hand to anyone who asked and "No", was not a word he used. Bob's smile was infectious and lit up the room. His warm smile and warm embrace will be missed.
Bob is survived by his wife Bess of 52 years; three daughters Melissa (Brent) Braden of Colfax, Colleen (Neal) Herrman of Barron, Jolene (Tanan) Knapp of Chippewa Falls, and son, Gregory (Amber) Moen of Wheeler; seven grandchildren Matthew (Taylor) Hellmann, Tyson Hellmann (Audrey Scheel), Jackson Hellmann (Haiden Salsbury), Chesney Herrman, Jack Neihart, Hudson Knapp, and Lydia Moen; two great-
grandchildren Teagan and Tate Hellmann. He is further survived by a sister Diana Mclaughlin (Keith) of Kingman, Arizona as well as many brothers and sister-in-law, nieces and nephews and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Norris and Lydia Moen, and his great grandson
Michael Hellmann.
In lieu of flowers a donation in Bob's memory can be made to the Ridgeland Wilson Fire Department.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at the Ridgeland Community Center with Deacon Scott Burns officiating. Military Honors will be performed following the service by Willard Hinzman American Legion Post #511. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday September 3, 2024 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the Ridgeland Community Center.