Robert Rosenkranz

Robert Charles "Bob, Rosy" Rosenkranz, 69, of Richland Center, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2024, after a courageous battle with Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). Born on September 16, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bob was a beloved father, husband, teacher, and coach who was deeply committed to education and environmental stewardship.
Bob graduated from West Allis Nathan Hale High School in 1972 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from UW-Stevens Point, where he was the president of the Wildlife Society. Bob began his teaching and coaching career at Stevens Point Area Senior High and then moved on to Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. While living in Wisconsin Rapids, he met the love of his life, Connie Strope. In 1984 Bob ventured to Sam Houston State University in Texas where he obtained his Master's degree and served as a graduate-assistant coach for the men's basketball team. Bob and Connie married in 1986 and moved to North Carolina, where Bob fulfilled his dream of being a Division 1 basketball coach at UNC-Wilmington.
In 1990, Bob and Connie returned to Wisconsin where Bob began teaching science and coaching basketball at Richland Center High School. Over his 25-year tenure, he also coached track and even spent a year as the freshman volleyball coach. He cherished his time working with student athletes, guiding them to excel both academically and athletically. Bob pioneered a Summer Strength and Conditioning Program at the high school, emphasizing the importance of physical health and endurance in preparation for the sports seasons. His dedication to helping students reach their full potential was paramount, and this program highlighted his commitment to their overall development.
Bob was a committed environmentalist who was passionate about integrating local wildlife education into his courses, ensuring students had the opportunity to explore and connect with their community through hands-on experiences. He made sure that every student that stepped into his classroom learned about Aldo Leopold and "The Sand County Almanac," and the unique local environment of the Driftless region. His summer biology class was central to these efforts as he was able to introduce his students to different environmental experiences around the state. Bob's love for the environment extended to his family life, where he encouraged his children to engage with nature and appreciate its wonders. Family outings often included trips to the Aldo Leopold Foundation, the International Crane Foundation and the area's winding trout streams. He took great care to preserve native plants and worked tirelessly to manage invasive species.
He truly cherished getting to work with his students and many fondly remember how he would brighten their day with his infectious humor and classroom antics. Music was a cornerstone in Bob's life, whether in the weight room or in-between classes, students could expect to hear everything from The Doors to Jack Johnson to John Mayer. He fostered his love of The Grateful Dead in both of his kids by taking them to the Dead and Company concerts, which were a time machine for Bob.
Bob is survived by his wife, Connie Rosenkranz; children, Meghan of Minneapolis, MN, and Brock (Kasey Metcalf) of LaValle, WI; his sister, Corliss Rosenkranz of New Jersey; and his dog Franco and grand-dog Remy.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dorothy and Robert O. Rosenkranz; sister, Susan Hager; his beloved dogs Doogie and Dia and his in-laws, Georgia and Arnie Strope, as well as many aunts, uncles and other loved ones.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the West Commons at the Richland Center High School on October 20, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM with a time of sharing to be held at 4:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to be used to rejuvenate the Richland Center High School Prairie, https://form.jotform.com/242544238198160, that he planted as well as a donation to the Aldo Leopold Foundation, any memorials can be mailed to the Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service, 120 N Park St. Richland Center, WI 53581. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Services in Richland Center, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements.