Robert Warren Wemette

Robert Warren Wemette (aka Dugan) Robert (Bob) Wemette was born the seventh child of Oscar & Gustava Olson Wemette on December 5, 1929, in Canton, Minnesota. On January 16, 2021, at 91 years of age, he was peacefully reunited in heaven with his Creator. Bob loved everything “American.” He loved the color blue, apple pie, Chevrolet, politics, and athletics. He was an avid Green Bay Packer, Milwaukee Brewer, and UW Badger fan. He valued a good work ethic. Bob was extremely proud of his heritage and felt honored to be a relative of the first U.S. amatuer to win the US Open, Francis Ouimet. In Bob’s early years, he was a tenant farmer in the Hillsboro, La Farge, and Viroqua areas. As an adolescent, he worked and lived with one of his dearest friends, Roger Jewell. Bob and Roger joined the US Army together, and Bob served from 1951 to 1954 in Germany. Bob did not speak of his experiences in the service, but he was extremely proud that he, along with four of his brothers, were veterans. Bob married Arlene Levy, the first love of his life, on December 8, 1954, and to this union two daughters, Julene Joy and Lynn Denise, were born. Bob taught agriculture and science in Wauzeka, WI for two years (‘55-’57). From 1957- 1963, he taught science, coached basketball, baseball, and boys volleyball at West Lima High School, West Lima, WI. After Arlene’s unexpected death in 1960, Robert continued his education at University of Marquette as well as UW-Eau Claire, earning a Masters of Education in 1965. During this difficult time, Bob was unconditionally supported by family, friends, and his second love, Beverly Jean Hyde. Bob and Bev were married on June 3,1962, and were further blessed with two more daughters, Debra Kay and Lana Michelle. In 1963, Bob accepted a teaching position at Alma Area Schools in Alma, WI. He taught high school biology and chemistry, served as the Athletic Director, founded the golf program and coached golf until his retirement in 1985. He was the assistant boys basketball coach for fourteen years (‘63-’77). The highlight of his coaching tenure was coaching at the WIAA State Tournament with the Alma Rivermen in1966. At this time, there were no classes or divisions, and the boys from “the little town by the river” came home with a third place trophy after losing to Milwaukee Lincoln High School. After retiring from education, Bob served as the Buffalo County Zoning Administrator from 1985-1990. Bob’s private and quiet demeanor did not inhibit him from passionately expressing his political views (a topic which was often avoided by family members later in life), participating in an intense game of cards (bridge, euchre or cribbage), bowling on several teams with his life partner, Bev, or golfing 18 holes almost daily at one of the local golf courses. Bob was a faithful supporter of his grandchildren’s sporting events. His active lifestyle also included being an active member of St. Paul & St. Luke United Church of Christ, the Alma American Legion Post #224, and a past-member of the Alma Lions Club. Bob is survived by his wife, Bev,and his four daughters and their families: Julene (Gregory) Smith of Des Moines, IA; Lynn (Scott) Smith of Mondovi, WI; Debra (Phillip) Brodbeck of Wales, WI; and Lana (Marvin) Rieck of Alma, WI. Family was very near and dear to Bob, and he was extremely proud of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and their accomplishments: Joanna (Brad) Linberg (Leif and Silvia); Jedidiah (Michelle) Smith; Brad (Kate) Smith (Levi and Josie); Jillisa (Max) Mallory (Meadow and Melanie); Cassie Rieck; Tyler Rieck; Jessie Grider (Lucille); Abbygael Brodbeck (special friend-Erick Schiller); Austin Fluekiger (special friend-Ashley Reinhardt); Jamie Brodbeck; Jordan Fluekiger; and Ryann Rieck. Also surviving is his sister Pat (Bruce) Daniel of Belvidere, IL; sisters-in-law, Pat Wemette of Byron, GA and Joyce (Levy) Bruett of Oconomowoc, WI; brother-in-law, Derwin (Kay) Levy of Viola, WI and many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight siblings: Lawrence, Francis, Lorraine Dustin, Norma Reed, William (Billy), Harry, Mary Strangstalien, and Thomas. Brothers- and sisters-in-law who preceded him in death: Frank Dustin, Jim Reed, Betty Wemette, Arnold Strangstalien, and Kathy Wemette. A memorial service in Bob’s honor will be held on Saturday, January 23rd at Talbot Family Funeral Homes in Alma, WI. A public visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with a family service to follow the visitation. Memorials may be made to the Alma American Legion Post #224.