Bob was born September 10, 1940 in Oconto, one of six children born to the late Melvin and Mildred (Pillsbury) Topel. Bob served his country in the National Guard during the Korean Conflict. Following his term of service, he was employed in Two Rivers for Hamilton Manufacturing and the Eggers Company. In 1970 he moved to Oconto, and was employed by Bond Food Products for 27 years, until retirement in 1997. He also was a newspaper carrier for the Green Bay Press-Gazette and the EagleHerald.
Robert was a member of the Oconto United Methodist Church, the AMVETS, D.A.V., Teamsters Local No. 75, and the Oconto Area Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed being active in the organizations he belonged to, and greatly enjoyed helping at the Oconto Meal Site following his retirement. Bobby also liked to bowl in league, and would cause those around him to smile, when he said, "darn it" or "I knew I made it".
Surviving are a brother, Frank (Lola Jane) Topel, Green Bay; two sisters, Lettie (Dennis) Pelto, Green Bay and Patricia (Ronald) Strom, Oconto; many aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, and a special friend, Mary Ann Bourgeois, Oconto. He was preceded in death by several infant siblings.
The body rested at the Oconto United Methodist Church, 641 Washington Street, Oconto, where the family greeted relatives and friends from 4:30 until 5:45 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2000. Service of Christian Burial was 6 p.m. Saturday at the Church. The Rev. Frederik W. Schulz officiated. Interment at Brookside Cemetery.
The Jones-Modrow-Young American Legion Post conducted military rites at the Church.
Arrangements were under the care of Ackerman Funeral Directors, Oconto.