Robert "Bob" Fonder
Robert "Bob" Fonder, 92, Green Bay, died peacefully Tuesday, December 29, 2015, at a local nursing home. He was born on July 23, 1923, in Green Bay to Ezra and Matilda (Motiff) Fonder.
Bob graduated from Green Bay West High School, Class of 1942. While in high school, Bob was an accomplished athlete. He was captain and quarterback of the football team and also ran in track. Bob served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943 to 1945. He received four Battle Stars, a Purple Heart, and other accommodations. After returning from service, Bob married Yvonne M. Lawson on September 11, 1946, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Green Bay.
He was employed by Fonder's Food Market, a family business owned by his parents, for 30 years. Bob later worked for UW-Green Bay as a custodian until he retired on January 20, 1989. He was a member of St. Jude Parish where he served as an usher and belonged to the Holy Name Society. Bob was an avid Packers fan and had season tickets for more than 40 years. He loved to travel with friends. His first loves were his children, grandchildren, and football.
Bob is survived by his wife, Yvonne; four children and their spouses: Michael Fonder, Chicago; Nancy Fonder and her significant other, Peter Larscheid, De Pere; Jim and Nancy Fonder, Bellevue; Julie LeFevre, Florida; four grandchildren and their spouses, Toni and Ian Wilson, Beth and Keith Kerrigan, Lisa and Andy LaLuzerne, Derek LeFevre and his significant other, Christine; five great-grandchildren, Nolan and Carter Wilson, Blake and Parker Kerrigan, and Bentley LeFevre; a sister and two brothers-in-law, Pat and Phil Berg, Ray Kocha; sister-in-law, Marie Fonder; close friends, Sam and Helen Lemley, and Jean Wiegand; many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by an infant granddaughter, Leah LeFevre; his parents; two brothers, Vince and Lorry Fonder, sister-in-law, Mary Ann Fonder; and brother-in-law, Bob Stascak.
Friends may call at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1420 Division St., from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, January 2. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church with Rev. Donald Everts officiating. Entombment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to the Blaney Funeral Home website.
Bob's family expresses their sincere gratitude to Dr. Fred Walbrun and the nurses and staff of the Holly Berry wing of Woodside Lutheran Home. A special thank you is also extended to Ashley Wolfgram, N.P. for her caring and kindness shown to Bob and his family.
(Reprinted with permission from Rhonda Raleigh, Executive Assistant to the President & Publisher, Green Bay Press-Gazette.) Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from December 31, 2015 to January 2, 2016