It has been announced that Robert P. 'Col. Bob' Wedel passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at the age of 77.
He was born January 8, 1943, the eldest of Paul and Magdalena (Hauser) Wedel in Columbus, Wis. He graduated in 1960 from Columbus High School and served in the National Guard until 1969. He was married to Kathy Pritchard on November 14, 1964 and they welcomed their daughters, Patti and Nichole. They continued to work side by side in all of their many adventures.
In his earlier years, he had ownership in the Redbud Bowling Alley, Bob’s Furniture Mart, Hard Heads Tap and CBW Livestock. In addition, he had pursued his pilot’s license as well as raced both stock cars and Standardbreds.
In 1974, He graduated from Reisch Worldwide Auction College and found his true passion in auctioneering. His legacy, Bob’s Auction Service, began as a small, family run business, holding their first consignment sale in downtown Columbus in 1976. In addition to his beloved consignment sales, he had worked at Midwest Livestock Producers in Lomira, several car auctions, and held many household, farm, business and estate auctions over the years.
He loved reminiscing about past auctions, always pointing out where there had been one. His children were part of the business since they were old enough to walk and have taken on more and more responsibilities over the years. He had worked to provide mentorship and direction to ensure his legacy could continue. One of his favourite sayings was “If you do something you love, you never work a day in your life.” He truly lived his life and loved every minute of it.
He loved spending time with, teasing, and providing for his wife, daughters and grandkids. He always seemed to know what they needed, even if they didn’t think they wanted it. When he wasn’t taking care of his family, he absolutely loved playing cards, rarely missing an opportunity to play euchre or sheepshead.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathy; daughters, Patti Inglett and Nichole (Brian) Glynn; grandchildren, Miranda Inglett, Abby Inglett, Ronnie Inglett, Ashley Glynn, Aiden Glynn, Riley Glynn and Brendan Glynn; honourary son and protege, Nathan Pollnow (family); brothers, Frank and Jim; sister, Sharon (Bill) Sonnleitner; sister-in-law, Audrey (Bob) Biersach; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Constance; son-in-law, Steven Inglett; sister-in-law, Suzanne; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ruth and Bob Obermeyer.
A private family service will be held with a public memorial to be held at a future date. Memorials will be organized by the family, setting up an FFA Alumni scholarship, as well as donations to The Lewy Body Dementia Association in memory of his mother. Please watch www.colbob.com for updates.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Robert Wedel.
(USTA)