Robert H. Vetter, best known as Bob, passed away peacefully on November 2, 2025, at the home he lovingly built in Pardeeville, Wisconsin, following a brief stay at St. Mary’s Hospital. Once home, he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren, all sharing happy memories, good stories, laughter and tears. 

He was born on October 7, 1939, in Madison, Wisconsin to Henry and Mina (Waldschmidt) Vetter. Growing up, Bob was independent, active, and loved being outdoors. He preferred cars and motorcycles to school, though a high school project restoring the Black Earth Creek grabbed his attention and reinforced his love of nature and working with his hands. 

Bob enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and, after graduation from Madison West High School, he went to Camp Pendleton in southern California where he proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1962. Bob returned to Madison, where he met and married Nancy Moody and began raising a family. For 17 years, Bob worked at Madison Newspaper Inc. where he began as an apprentice typesetter, advancing to journeyman. His night-time work schedule allowed him to be home with his kids during the day, to pack school lunches, go on field trips and attend the kids’ sporting events. 

Bob believed in hard work. He started Bob’s Kwik Gas on Monona Drive, while also working for Kau Construction and Dairyland Concrete. Following the advice of a friend and neighbor, Bob got his foot in the door at UW Madison with the maintenance division. After 20-plus years with UW Madison, Bob retired from the University’s Arlington Agricultural Research Station.

Hunting and fishing were always a big part of Bob’s life, whether out west, the Boundary Waters, or on family land in the Driftless Region. He had a deep fondness of and respect for state and national parks and enjoyed many years of camping, canoeing, and hiking with family and friends. A favorite time was when he could be out in nature running his dog. While he had a soft spot in his heart for cats and dogs, he never met a black lab he didn’t love. 

Happier to give than receive, Bob frequently jumped at the chance to help others though groups and organizations like Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Pardeeville Curling Club, the North Scott Baptist Church, and the Pardeeville Lions Club where he served as a Lions Eye Bank Transporter. Bob was always ready and willing to help family, friends, and his community with projects large or small. 

Bob is survived by his children, Lisa (David) Boyd, Heidi Vetter, and Jonathan (Brenda) Vetter; grandchildren, Ransom Boyd, Zane Boyd, Levi Heilprin, Tabitha Vetter, Madilyn Vetter, and Samantha Vetter; cousin Wolfgang Hudel; and special friend Susan Unruh. In addition, he is survived by nieces, nephews, and a great number of friends from all parts of his life. 

Preceding him in death were parents, Henry and Mina “Minnie” Vetter; sister, Barbara Ketterer; former wife and mother of his children, Nancy Moody; and several pets whose memories, even after many years, made him happy. 

The family would like to thank the staff at SSM Health Hospice for their compassionate care and attention that supported Bob at home in his final days. 

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, December 5th at 11:00am, with Military Honors by the Pardeeville American Legion, at Grasse Funeral Home in Pardeeville. Visitation will be held at 10:00am until the time of service on Friday. Luncheon to follow service. Private burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Madison at a later date.

In keeping with Bob’s kindness, generosity, and care of the community, in lieu of flowers please consider donating to Second Harvest, Badger Honor Flight, Pardeeville Lions Club, or a charity of your choice in honor of Robert.