Robert A. Kell, 78, of West Bend, passed away Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at the Kathy Hospice, West Bend.
He was born on April 27, 1934 on the family farm in Theresa to the late Clarence and Leona (Nee Steger) Kell. At the age of 5, he moved with his family to West Bend and attended St. John Grade School. He graduated from West Bend High School in 1953, where he participated in basketball and track, and was in the first Home Ec. class for boys in the 1952-53 school year. During high school he worked summers at White House Milk Co. where he was given the nickname "Cans." On August 27, 1955, Bob was united in marriage to Marolyn Reynolds at Fifth Ave. United Methodist Church in West Bend.
Bob was employed at the West Bend Company for 47 years, retiring in 2000. He was a member of the West Bend Volunteer Fire Dept. for 37 years and Rescue Squad for 17 years. He volunteered at the Washington County Historical Society, working at the West Bend Company Museum for many years. He also helped with the Sheepshead Tournament at Germanfest for 19 years. He was a 50 year member of the West Bend Moose Lodge and he enjoyed horseshoes, darts, Sheepshead, and bowling. Over the years, Bob donated 100 pints of blood at the West Bend Blood Center. Bob enjoyed spending time with family activities, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Marolyn; six children, Christine Schinske of West Bend, Gary (Marlene) Kell of West Bend, Diane Moreno of San Diego, CA, David Kell of Burbank, CA, Susie (Mike) Weston of West Bend, and Janet Wagner of San Diego, CA; 13 grandchildren, Melissa (Andy) Westphal of West Bend, Rob Schinske of San Diego, CA, Jane Schinske of Ramona, CA, Jason (Amy) Kell of West Bend, Courtney (Rick) Ludwig of Random Lake, Chad Kell of Milwaukee, Garret (friend Mandy) Kell of West Bend, Megan Kell of San Diego, CA, Michael Moreno of San Diego, CA, Nicole (Guillermo) Real of Madison, Mitch Weston of West Bend, Keith (friend Audrey) Weston of Hartford, and Sean Wagner of West Bend; nine great-grandchildren, Daniel and Ryan Westphal, Topanga De la Cruz, Mija and Mason Kell, Jayda Ludwig, Brianna Kell, Cristian and Marcus Real; three sisters, Rita Ruf of Margate, FL, Sally (Al) Tennies of West Bend, and Pat Boock of Waukegan, IL; a brother, Jim (Audrey) Kell of West Bend; four sisters-in-law, Jan (Herb) Schwarze of Durham, NC, Bonnie (Ralph) Julien of Cherokee Village, AR, Marlene Ciriacks of West Bend, and Kay (Bob) Blackburn of Waupaca; a brother-in-law, Tevis Reynolds of Brevard, NC; uncle, Harry Eberl of Port Washington; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Gloria Fickler, and two brothers-in-law, Lee Boock and Sam Ciriacks.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Kathy Hospice, Dr. Smale, Dr. Mooney, and Dr. Griswold for the special care given to Bob.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Kathy Hospice (www.kathyhospice.com 3232 Pleasant Valley Rd., West Bend, WI 53095) or Fifth Ave. United Methodist Church (323 S. Fifth Ave., West Bend, WI 53095).