Robert Lloyd Cottrill

Robert Lloyd “Bob” Cottrill, age 77, of Mayville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin.

Bob was born on August 2, 1947 to Lloyd and Ella (nee Gall) Cottrill. He grew up in Baraboo, Wisconsin and graduated from Baraboo High School in 1966 where he excelled in athletics. After high school, he attended Milton College where he played basketball before enlisting in the United States Marines Corps. He proudly and honorably served his country during the Vietnam War from 1969 until 1971. Bob married Annette Conway on December 6, 1975. Through their marriage, they shared great memories and were even better business partners. Bob and Annette remained friends and Bob cherished that relationship.

Following the passing of his father when Bob was a junior in high school, he knew his calling was to become a Funeral Director. Upon graduating from Milwaukee Area Technical College with a degree in mortuary science, Bob and his family moved to Whitehall, WI where he was employed by Jack Funeral Home from 1979 until 1986. Bob’s desire to own his own funeral home led him to Mayville, WI where he opened the Cottrill Funeral Home. 

While owning Cottrill Funeral Home, Bob also delivered gas for United Cooperative of Beaver Dam. As different as each career was, both gave Bob the opportunity to meet people and serve his community. In 2012, Bob retired and sold his funeral home to Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service. 

Community service was very important to Bob. He served on the Fire Department in both Whitehall and Mayville. He was on the first Mayville Audubon Day’s Committee, was a member the of the Lion’s Club in both Whitehall and Mayville, and served on the United Way campaign. He was a member of the Horicon Marsh Bowman’s Club and the Mayville Gun Club. His faith led him to be a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville. He was also a life member of Mayville American Legion Post 69.

Bob lived a full life and enjoyed everything encompassing it from the open road on his Harley, to the quiet solitude of hunting, to the banter with his friends while fishing. You could often find Bob in his garage tinkering on his many projects. He was a dedicated Papa who loved nothing more than to spend time with his grandsons.

He is survived by his daughter, Jill (Jesse) Close of West Bend; two grandsons, Deegan and Hayes Close; his son, Bryan (Reva Matz) McKenzie of Pewaukee and his children, Faith and Cameron; nephews, Todd Cottrill, and Jim (Marybeth) Cottrill; and former wife, Annette Cottrill.

Preceding Bob in death include his parents, Lloyd and Ella; his brother, Don (Mary) Cottrill; and close friend, John Cushman.

VISITATION: Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the former Cottrill Funeral Home – 15 S. Walnut Street, Mayville, WI, 53050. Have a beer on Bob, enjoy some food, and share laughter and memories.

SERVICE: Military Honors will take place at the funeral home on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., followed by words of remembrance by Chuck McConnell and other family and friends.

A generous thanks to the staff of the VA Hospital in Madison for their care and compassion during Bob’s end of life care.

Bob was a great mentor and friend who dedicated his life to serving others. On behalf of all of us here at the Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service, we are extremely honored to now have the opportunity to serve him. Additional information and Guestbook may be found on www.myrhum-patten.com.