Robert L. Sing

Robert Lee Sing, 84, of Hemet, CA, formerly of Alma, WI, died peacefully in his sleep on March 8, 2017. Robert was born January 8, 1933 in Minneapolis, MN to Eleanor (Mehringer) Sing and Mao Ah Sing. On March 5, 1955, he married Roma Lee Murphy in Long Beach, California. They made their home briefly in Gardena, California before moving to Fountain City. They lived in Buffalo County for nearly 50 years, having resided in Fountain City, Mondovi, Alma and Cochrane. Robert graduated from Fountain City High School then entered the United States Marine Corp on February 15, 1951. He served six months in the Korean conflict, and received the Good Conduct Medal (1st awarded), National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. Robert earned the rank of Sargent in three short years and received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corp. in February 1954. Robert began his career in law enforcement while living in Fountain City when he served as a city police officer. Buffalo County later swore him in as a deputy sheriff and he relocated with his family to Mondovi, WI. In time, Robert resigned his job as Buffalo County Deputy and later ran on the Republican ticket for a two-year term as Buffalo County Sheriff. Robert handily won his first election and relocated his family to the county seat of Alma. He went on to successfully win six additional two-year terms on a partisan ticket and remained grateful to the constituents who elected him to office. People throughout the county knew Robert, much in part to his door-to-door campaigning throughout the county to retain the job he so loved. Perceived by some to be a stern leader, he also had a compassionate side that touched the lives of those whom he met. Most inmates of the county jail were there for having made a poor choice, sometimes repeatedly. It was common for Robert to have a one-on-one conversation with repeat offenders. Many of these conversations changed the trajectory of a life. There were uncomfortable times when he had to call on a family to notify of a death and there was the highlight of working with Secret Service to protect President Jimmy Carter and First Lady, Rosalyn Carter when they came down the Mississippi on the Delta Queen and insisted on coming out to greet the townspeople. He proudly served the residents of Buffalo County for over 25 years before retiring in January 1989. In retirement, Robert and Roma relocated to Cochrane where they owned and operated a local laundromat. This allowed Robert the opportunity to stay in contact with people; something he cherished. Soon after retiring, Robert and Roma relocated to Hemet, CA to care for Roma’s aging stepfather. While in California, Robert filled his time serving as a parts delivery/courtesy driver in his son, Rick’s repair shop, Mastertech, a position he held for 10 years. This automotive repair facility in North San Diego County provided further opportunity for Robert to stay connected to people. He cherished the opportunity to work alongside his son. He later retired in earnest and began enjoying trips to Lake Powell with family and time at service clubs, meeting people and singing Karaoke with friends. Robert was a kind and caring person whose humor often took people by surprise. He was the proud father of five children and a friend to many. Survivors include, one son, Rick (Kristy) Sing of Oceanside, CA; three daughters, Roxanne Sing of Hamilton, Montana, Roberta Czaplewski of Fountain City, WI, and Rinda (Mike) Finucan of Camp Douglas, WI; son-in-law, David (Pamela) Earney of Alma; 16 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Richard Sing of Cynthiana, KY, and Ed (Joyce) Sing of Fountain City, WI; and two sisters, Mary Mueller of Winona, MN and Frances (John) Burt of Fountain City, WI. He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Roma Lee (Murphy) Sing; his daughter, V. Renee (Sing) Earney, his parents, Eleanor (Mehringer) Sing, and Mao Ah Sing; his mother-in-law, Velda (Cox) Price; his father-in-law, Clifton Price, a brother, Frank Sing; three nephews, Robert Haag, Jr., Daniel Burt, and Steve Sing. A funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at St. John Lutheran Church, Alma. Burial to follow at Alma Memorial Cemetery. A time for visitation and support will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Talbot Family Funeral Home, Alma Chapel and then again at church on Saturday.