Robert Gordon Newman, 85, of Chetek, WI passed away peacefully on May 6, 2024.

Bob was born on January 16, 1939, in Eau Claire, WI to Gordon and Marie (Erdman) Newman. He grew up on his parent's farm in the town of Sioux Creek, Barron County. He graduated from Chetek High School in 1957. Bob married Cecilia Simon on September 3, 1960, at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. He received a Bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.

Bob and Cecilia started married life in Eau Claire and in Milwaukee before moving to Wisconsin Rapids where they raised their family. In 1974 they bought a farm northwest of Wisconsin Rapids in the town of Sigel. Bob was also a member of the Serra Club of Wisconsin Rapids where they lived for 32 years.

Most of Bob's working life was in the field of public health. He started his career with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department and went on to hold several positions with the Wisconsin Division of Health. In 1988, he was appointed Director of the Wood County Health Department and continued in that position until he retired in 2000.

Bob was a member of several state and local organizations. He was a past president of the Wisconsin Environmental Health Association, served on the board of directors of the Wisconsin Public Health Association, was a past president of the Wood County Partnership Council, and was past secretary of the Wisconsin County Public Health Affiliate.

Along with his career in public health, Bob was also active in the military having enlisted in 1956, while still in high school, at the age of 17. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in June 1961 and was called to active duty with the 32nd "Red Arrow" Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington during the Berlin Crises. Bob was commissioned First Lieutenant, Infantry Officer in June 1964. He continued to serve in the WI National Guard and Army Reserve until retiring from the military with the rank of Major after 21 years of service. He was a member of the American Legion and life member of the Reserve Officers Association.

Bob was also a licensed pilot and enjoyed his many visits to the annual convention and fly-in of the Experimental Aircraft Association, of which he was a member for many years.

Bob and Cecilia moved their lake home in Chetek in 2003 where Bob enjoyed fishing and volunteering at the Pioneer Village Museum. He had a long-time interest in Civil War history and Bob and Cecilia visited many battlefields and museums throughout the United States. In 2010 Bob and Cecilia sold their home on the lake and moved into a condominium on Elizabeth Lane in Chetek. They were members of the St. Boniface Church in Chetek and enjoyed the many friends they made there.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cecilia, of 63 years, three sons, Timothy (Rene) Newman of Virginia, Jeffrey (Ellen) Newman of Minnesota, and David (Lauren) Newman of North Carolina, and two daughters, Mary Newman (Jim Carlson) of Chetek, WI, and Kathy (Daniel) Garcia of Eau Claire, WI. He took great pride in his eight wonderful grandchildren, Danny (Samantha) Garcia, David Garcia, Eric Newman, Jessica Newman, Jaci Newman, Elizabeth Newman, Ryan Newman, Clara Newman, and Tanner Carlson. Bob has two brothers, Gary (Marlene) Newman of Chetek, and Michael (Leah) of Bruce, plus many other nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kathleen, half-brother LaVern Erdman, and his granddaughter Olivia Newman. Bob has not gone alone into the sunset but into the company of friends who have gone before him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brentwood Vista Prairie in Rice Lake and the Marshfield Clinic Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to the Pioneer Village Museum in Chetek or the Chetek Food Shelf.

A Memorial Mass is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, May 11, at 11:30 AM at the St. Boniface Church in Chetek, Wisconsin, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM, pending confirmation from the church. Please check back for updated details.

Last Update: May 06, 2024 1:06 pm CDT