Robert E. Purves

Robert E. Purves, 90, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on July 13, 2025, in Sheboygan Falls. He was born June 20, 1935, in Sturgeon Bay to John and Mary (Dorchester) Purves and graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School. On Oct. 23, 1966, he married Beverly Siler in Reno, Nevada. She preceded him in death on Jan. 13, 2018.

After college, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force. As a career serviceman, he and his family lived in different parts of the country including California, Illinois, New Mexico and Virginia. After 31 years of service, he retired from the Air Force as a full colonel.

Bob and Beverly returned to Sturgeon Bay in their retirement, where he enjoyed boat riding, fishing and his home on the lake. Bob was a board member of the Door County Maritime Museum and also gave tours of the John H. Purves Tugboat, which was named after his father with whom he had a very special bond. Bob had a great sense of humor and was known for his story telling. He was a family man and treasured his marriage to Beverly who was the light of his life.

He is survived by his son John (Melanie) Purves, daughter Lori (Jim) Moe; 5 grandchildren, Rachel (Kien) Le, Nathan Holes, Jeremy Purves, Bryan and Brady Moe; 2 great-grandchildren and one on the way, Abigail, Lydia and Joshua; brother John D. Purves; 2 brothers-in-law, Ron (Toy) Siler and Alva (Lee) Siler. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Beverly, and sister-in-law Sandy Purves.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 28, 2025, at Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with Rev. Paul Graf officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the funeral home on Monday.