Robert J. Abt

Robert J. Abt, age 85, passed away Sunday, March 5, under the care of Aspirus Hospice Services, at home, while listening to the Sunday Morning Polka Show.

Robert was born August 31, 1937 in Wausau, WI, the youngest son of Stephen and Alma (Dellmann) Abt. He graduated from D.C. Everest High School in 1956. On December 3, 1960, he married his wife of 62 years, Barbara Kae Lodholz. Bob and Barb farmed on the original family farmstead in the town of Ringle. Raising his family on the farm was important to him because it taught his children the value of hard work. In addition to farming, he was a machinist at Federal Mogul in Schofield, WI until his retirement. Bob also drove school bus for the D. C. Everest School District. He most enjoyed bus trips taking students to extracurricular activities, especially the football team. Bob and Barb were members of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Schofield, WI.

Together he and Barb enjoyed listening and dancing to polka music, watching the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, and any activity their grandchildren were involved in. Bob could not cook very well, but he made the best malts, beef jerky, and fudge. Bob was especially proud of his commitment to donating blood at the Blood Center in Wausau. In his lifetime, he donated just shy of a bulk tank full. Most important to him was time spent with his grandchildren on the farm, red tractors, and straight corn rows, and cutting the hay on the corner of the field. 

Bob is survived by his wife, Barb, his children Michelle Abt, Todd (Monica) Abt, Heidi (Robert) Bowers, Kelly (Tricia Blair) Abt, Jason (Cara) Abt, and Jennifer (Stewart) Talbert; grandchildren Seth (Nikki) Abt, Jordan (Carly) Abt, Shelby (Erich) Schnell, Samuel (Hailey) Bowers, Cole (Xianna Huggins) Abt, Cade (Jen Plevak) Abt, Ariana Talbert, Hayden Talbert, Samantha (Khristiian) Schmid, and Austin Schmid; great grandchildren Otto Abt, Archer Abt, and Sophia Abt. He is also survived by a sister Doris Small; sister-in-law June Abt, many nieces and nephews, and his best pal Snipper. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Robin, granddaughter Kayla Abt, brothers Edward and John Abt, sister-in-law Julie Abt, brother-in-law Bill Small, father and mother-in-law Alvin and Joyce Lodholz, and brother-in-law Randy Lodholz. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Aspirus Hospice Service for their patience and understanding during this difficult time, for answering endless questions, and for guiding Robert and his family to this next stage. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 from 9 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 6205 Alderson Street, Weston, WI. Brainard Funeral Home of Weston has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit www.BrainardFuneral.com for directions or to leave a sentiment of remembrance for the family.