10/23/2025
Robert Alfred Atterbury, II, 80, of Delavan, WI passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, October 13, 2025, following a brief battle with brain cancer. A man known for his kindness, dedication to family, humor and passion as die-hard Chicago Bears and Cubs fan, Bob was also an avid classic car enthusiast. As a member of the Kettle Moraine Car Club some of his proudest moments over the years were spent at car shows with his wife Carol where he won many awards for his prized hot-rods.
Bob was born on September 23, 1945 in Miami, Florida. His family moved to Elmwood Park, Illinois, where he grew up and attended school. After high school, he enrolled at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and earned his degree in 1967. It was at Carroll College that Bob became a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and built lifelong friendships. Bob and his wife Carol regularly attended Carroll College Homecomings each year, complete with the “required” visit to Marty’s Pizza for a slice while catching up with old friends. Bob enjoyed many exciting career paths over the years including teaching in Illinois and Wisconsin, working summers for over fourteen years on Lake Geneva Cruise Lines, where he met his lovely bride-to-be, and even as a ski instructor for over forty years. Whether teaching or instructing Bob was always a favorite with his students. They loved his laid-back demeanor and enthusiasm for games and sports.
Always active, Bob was also an avid skier for much of his life. He especially enjoyed the beauty of the champagned-powdered slopes in Colorado and Utah. When not on the slopes, Bob and his wife could be found cruising to many exotic destinations across the world, soaking up the sun in Florida, or enjoying the glitz and glamor o Las Vegas as they tempted fate with Lady Luck, caught a show, or sang along with their favorite band at a concert. Bob always loved music and had an affinity for tunes from the 50’s and 60’s. He also had a special place in his heart and on his lap for his favorite dogs, miniature schnauzers, Junior, Rex and Payton, as well as his most recent best friend, a spunky little rescue named Pauly.
His love for life and his many interests was only matched by his love for his family. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Carol, and a loving stepfather, uncle and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 30 years Carol, sister Carol (Edwin) Kula, stepchildren Kathrine (Jonathon) Alexander, Kimberli (John) Carroll, Jeffrey (Traci) Chisholm William (Michelle) Chase, eight grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents Robert Alfred Atterbury, I, and Helen Kunz.
One of Bob’s favorite football player Walter Payton once said, “If you ask me how I want to be remembered, it is a winner.” Bob left this earth a winner. A winner in what he stood for, what he achieved in life, and who he was. His legacy lives on in the love he shared, the lives he touched, and the engines that rev in his memory.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Treasury, 303 East Walworth Avenue, Delavan, Wisconsin. Memorials in Bob’s namemay be made to the Lakeland Animal Shelter in Elkhorn. Strouf Funeral Home, 1001 High Street, Racine, Wisconsin is honored to serve the Atterbury family.
