Robert Richard Denhardt

Robert Richard Denhardt, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2025, at the age of 94 years. Bob, as he was generally known, was born to Robert and Emma (Leffert) Denhardt on Sept 4, 1930. Bob attended Logansport High School in Indiana, where he lettered in track, football, and basketball. He graduated from Purdue University in 1954 with a degree in civil engineering. At Purdue, he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Bob met Alice Richards, the love of his life, on a blind date in 1952 and they were married later that year. Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954, where he served in the CIC Counterintelligence Corps. After being discharged, Bob took a position with the State of Wisconsin and he and Alice moved to Milwaukee, where they lived for 40 years and raised their five children. Bob subsequently worked for two different construction companies in Milwaukee and eventually became Vice President of O’Brien and Brauer. He also completed many notable projects in the area.

Bob loved to fish and traveled to northern Wisconsin at every opportunity with the entire family. After early morning fishing, his weekend job was taking Alice and their children water skiing. He also built and flew radio-controlled airplanes, helped the four boys with their Pinewood Derby cars and assisted them on scout camping trips. He volunteered at his church. Later in life, he developed a passion for golf. He was perhaps the biggest fan the Purdue Boilermakers have ever known.

Bob and Alice moved to Parnell, Wisconsin in 1994 and eventually retired to Northport, Florida in 2004.

Bob is survived by his wife Alice, and his children Jeffery (Jane), Kris (Elaine), Janice (Carl) Schmidt, James (Deborah) and William (Debbie Lynn). He is also survived by eleven grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

The family intends to hold a service for family members at a later date.

Memorials to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Adell, WI and the American Cancer Society are appreciated.

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