Robert "Bob" Edward Girard, Madison/Elkhorn, WI  (1926 - 2013)

May 17, 1926 - March 2, 2013
Robert E. Girard, 86, passed away into his Father God’s arms on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at home with his family and his pastor at his side. Born May 17, 1926, Bob grew up in Madison, with his Mom, Dad and sister, Pearl. He served in the Air Force, and then married Gladys, who traveled together with him through 61 years of mountains and valleys. He began a long career serving his neighbors through his grocery businesses in Windsor, Madison, Elkhorn, and Walworth, and working with his son, Bob, at Bob’s Floor Covering in Lake Geneva. Through his career he touched many lives, and influenced so many young people. While in Madison, he and a colleague began a June dairy sales campaign, which then began June Dairy Month. He was well known in the Madison community as a daily feature on WISM-Radio morning talk show, where he was known as “Portly Bob”, and for surviving a gunshot from an attempted robbery of his store, HiLo Super Valu. His years in Elkhorn, included being president of the Chamber of Commerce and playing Santa Claus to the children in town. He worked endlessly raising, loving, teaching, and praying for his nine children. He loved family vacations with Gladys and his children, golfing, traveling, and many hours of card playing with his lifelong friends: Bill, Lon, and Bob. He loved his Lord, and spent countless hours praying for his family and those God brought across his path. His legacy is a family that understands the power of prayer, and commitment to family.
Bob requested that we use this opportunity to thank his family and friends for all the love and care they gave to him and Gladys through the years. And to encourage others to remember that the most significant thing you leave behind is your family.
Bob married Gladys Mae Frydenlund Nov. 15, 1947, at St. Patrick’s in Madison. She went to heaven in 2009, and was there to greet him.
Bob is survived by his children: Jacquelyn, Geri, Jan (Richard Babler), JoEllen (James Treslley), Judy (Dennis Speckman), Steve, Robert, Jr. (Thess), and Dan (Maria); 21 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many dear friends, including Scott Hogel, who cared for him as he would his own father.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Mae Frydenlund Girard; his son, Lawrence Scott Girard; his father, Edward Girard; his mother, Elsie Conrad Girard; and his sister, Pearl Girard.
A memorial fund has been set up in Robert Girard’s name at Calvary Community Church, PO Box 1200, Williams Bay, WI 53191. Robert also was a strong supporter of Joy Prison Ministries. Memorials can be made to Joy Ministries and mailed to David and Judy Spong, N2434 Elgin Club Road, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 25, 2013, at 11 am, at CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH, on Highway 50 at Harris Road, Williams Bay, with a lunch to be held afterwards.
MILLER-REESMAN FUNERAL HOME
620 – 15th Avenue, Union Grove, WI 53182
(262) 878-2500