Obituary for Robert J. "Bob" Hilbert

Robert was born to Alice Marie (Netzer) and Wyman C. Hilbert on December 31, 1955. Alice, Wyman, and stepmom Pat have passed on to heaven. I’m pretty sure they greeted him upon his arrival there on November 24, 2023. He passed peacefully at Mayo Clinic Health System, Franciscan Health Care, in La Crosse.

Bob grew up in the 50’s. Post World War II was a wonderful time to be a kid. Bob lived among neighborhood friends and classmates. He loved the bluff and river lands; he enjoyed exploring them with friends and family. His love of nature extended to the study of weather. He was a storm chaser and amateur meteorologist. He was also a builder of LED clocks and light displays long before they became popular. Bob seldom left La Crosse but his arm chair travels took him around the world via weather cameras displayed on computer tablets. His first career was that of professional musician. He worked as an auto mechanic, maintenance engineer, security guard, and police officer. In later years he installed cable in homes and dorms around La Crosse. After Bob retired he spent much of his time serving his elderly father with daily visits to help around the house and to watch favorite TV shows.

Bob’s illness continued to challenge him; he worked diligently to regain his health many times and for many years. His faith in God blossomed at the end of his life. He was grateful for medical staff, sunshine, and a hot bowl of soup. Bob was mentally bright, and still stubborn, but the rough edges, like we all have, had disappeared, replaced by the love of God. At the end he was at peace and ready to go to his heavenly home. Bob left earth with Patty and the chaplain at his side. He is loved, and will be missed.

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever." Psalm 73:26

Robert is survived by his sister Patricia and brother in law Robert Kay, his nephew, Christopher, nieces Soni and Caelen, Caelen’s husband Kenneth, cousins and other special family and friends.

Funeral arrangements by Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Woodruff Chapel, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin

December 9

visitation 9:30 AM. Service 10:30 AM. Burial to follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.

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