Robert A. Lardie

Robert A. "Captain” Lardie of Poynette, WI passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at The Rivers (North View Gardens) in Portage.

He was born on December 26, 1928 in Ferndale, MI the son of Roland Laverne and Florence Sophia Lardie. Bob was raised in Traverse City, MI, graduating from Traverse City High School. His journey first took him to Ft. Ord, CA, honing his cooking skills as an Army Officer's Mess Chief. Following his discharge he ran his own Cafe while also playing semi-pro basketball and racing cars. His love for sports led him to Broadcast School in hopes of becoming a sports broadcaster. But fate took him on to Tiffin, OH as a DJ and SOX Hop jock in the late fifties and early sixties. His next stop was Sheboygan, WI as the morning man on two local stations while also doing remote broadcasts from Road America. The highlight of his career came with the movie "Winning." His voice is that of the track announcer. While filming, he had the joy to trout fish with Robert Wagner. He met his wife Patti in a Farm Progress Booth interview, they both found themselves in Madison, WI in 1975 with new job assignments.

He was united in marriage to Patricia Bennett November 6, 1976 in Madison, WI. Bob joined the Sales Staff of the original WMAD, while continuing to do remote broadcasts from Road America and for "TV Lenny." In 1979, he changed gears and took the sales managers job with Royle Publishing in Sun Prairie, WI. While on staff he handled advertising sales for the Green Bay Packer report as well as the then "Sun Prairie Star Countryman." He became a Lake Wisconsin fixture, enjoying Packer and Badger Games, cruising in his "33" Dodge, being pushed in his pink Crosley and participating in the Lake Wisconsin Pool league camaraderie. Bob will be remembered for his pontoon adventures on the "Patti Wagon," "soup,"  laughter and "it’s five o'clock somewhere.”

Bob is survived by his wife Patti; children Bennett (Kim) Lardie, Sandie (Keith) Litchfield, Robert (Gayle) Lardie, Anna Lardie, and Alan (Vicki) Lardie with families encompassing 30 grand, great, and great-great-grandchildren; special step-daughters Marissa (Kel) Gurfield and Chrisanne Michels Kenny; "true to the end" friend Dale Martinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley and brother Roland (aka Sonny).

A Celebration of Life will take place on December 16, 2018 at 12 Noon at Hookers Resort in Poynette. Bob will be laid to rest in Traverse City, MI this spring. A memorial fund has been set up in Bob's name that will be used to enhance the lives of fellow residents.The family wishes to extend a sincere thanks to the staff of The Rivers (North View Gardens) for their dedicated years of care. Online condolences may be made at www.grassefs.com. Grasse Funeral Service in Pardeeville is serving the family.

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