Obituary for Robert D. "Bob" Plenge

Robert D. “Bob” Plenge, 86, of West Salem, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2021, at Traditions of La Crescent Memory Care. He was born June 16, 1934, in La Crosse, to Ervine and Leona (Garbers) Plenge. Bob was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, Bangor, and was a graduate of Bangor High School. On March 20, 1953, he was united in marriage to Louise Heuer at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church. He was a devoted husband for 62 years before she preceded him in death. Bob was the epitome of the Christian father; God, family and a strong work ethic were values he lived by, passed along to his family, and evident to all who knew him. Bob enjoyed meeting people, especially during his time as a meat cutter at Lakeview Foods. He taught his grandsons knife skills that they took with them on their journey to becoming a chef. Bob enjoyed traveling with this wife, spending Saturday nights at the races, fishing, and 6:00 a.m., coffee and doughnuts with “the guys.” Survivors include his daughter, Carolyn (Matthew) Zimmermann; two grandchildren, Jeffrey (Betty-Jo) Powell and Josef (Sarah) Powell; two great-grandchildren, Samara Powell and Shane Powell; one sister, Marie Streeck; one brother, Marlen (Lorna) Plenge; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his beloved wife, Louise, Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Eric M. Plenge; and brother-in-law, Donald Streeck. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, January 7, 2021, at Christ Ev. Lutheran Church, West Salem. Rev. Don Frelitz will officiate. Burial will follow in Burns Cemetery, rural Bangor. A visitation will be held from 12 noon until the time of service, Thursday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Christ Ev. Lutheran Church, West Salem, Luther High School, or Alzheimer’s Research. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Traditions of La Crescent for their loving and compassionate care. You truly made Bob a part of your family; we are forever grateful.