Robert “Bob”, “Pops” Ferguson, age 68, of West Bend, peacefully passed away on April 25th 2014 surrounded by his beloved, family after battling health issues for many years.
Robert was born January 8th, 1946 in Cedar Falls, Iowa where he was adopted by loving parents Dallas Clifford Ferguson and Irma Medith (Chamberlain) Ferguson. He graduated from Edison High School in 1964 and attained a full ride scholarship for baseball to Indiana State University where he graduated in 1968 with a teaching degree. Robert taught physical education in Catlin, IL for 2 years and then at John Long Middle School in Grafton, WI for 30 years. Robert had a great passion for working with children of all ages. He loved coaching middle school athletics, attending sporting events for his children and grandchildren and handing out lifesavers every Sunday to children at church.
Robert was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served the Lord in many capacities. He was a true representative of Christ like love for all and believed the best way to teach was through example. He was a kind, selfless, compassionate, courageous, patient man. Robert loved serving the church and was grateful for every blessing he received. As a three time cancer survivor, dialysis patient and most importantly a heart recipient he had his share of health struggles. Robert had a great passion for working with the Wisconsin Donor Network/Blood Center of Wisconsin. He spoke of this passion to many high school and driver’s education students and many state and county fairs.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Michelle Anne (Heck) Ferguson of West Bend; his six children, son Blake Ferguson and his wife Tracy (Heinz), of Tichigan, WI, daughter Erika Ferguson of West Bend, WI, daughter Shana Smith and her husband Joshua of Hartford, WI, daughter Ruth Williams and her husband Dean of Hartford, WI, Lindy Gundrum and her husband John of West Bend, WI, and Alana Gatzke and her husband Thomas of Tucson, AZ; twelve grandchildren David Ferguson, Talitha and Havalynne Jones; Addisyn, Aiden and Bentley Gundrum, of West Bend, WI., Grant, Lucie and Lloyd Smith and Eli and Lucas Williams of Hartford, WI , and Ava Van Tassel of Tichigan, WI; asister-in-law, Joan Krahn and her husband David of Wynnewood, PA; a brother-in-law, Glenn Heck Jr. and his wife Miriam of Berwyn, PA; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dallas and Irma, and an infant brother.
To celebrate the life he loved an open house will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Friday, May 2nd at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (120 W Paradise Dr.) West Bend, WI 53095. The burial will be held privately with close family in attendance.
A very special heart felt thank you to the heroic unknown family that suffered their own tragic loss that gave Robert so many additional years upon this earth. One of the greatest gifts Robert received in life was his new heart. Robert’s request would be for all to “Please think about being someone else’s hero and donate the gift of life.”