Robert "Bob" Whitworth

As Glen Millers tune “In the Mood” played, Robert “Bob” Whitworth, 76, Kewaunee, passed away Saturday March 24, 2012, surrounded by his family, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Bob was born February 27, 1936 in St. Paul, MN to the late Floyd and Catherine (Grams) Whitworth. He grew up in LaCrosse, WI attending college and earning his masters in music education. Bob served in the US Army at Fort Levensworth, from 1954 until his discharge in 1957. This is where his music career began. Bob was a member of the army band. He also met the love of his life, Patty Colleen Wasson. They married on August 21, 1957. She preceded him in death on October 12, 1986. In 1965 Bob moved his family to Kewaunee, WI to begin his teaching career. He taught music education from 1965 until 1980, sharing his love for music with his many students. In 1981 he started employment with the US Postal service in the re-distribution center. Bob retired in 1998. One of Bob’s accomplishments and joys was being one of the original members of the Kewaunee Chambermaids, entertaining many at the Kewaunee Trout Fest over the years. He was also the last surviving member of the popular local dance band “The Penguins” performing in local dance clubs until the 1970’s. For the past ten years Bob has been very active in Senior volunteering, providing transportation for appointments to individuals unable to drive. Bob was named volunteer of the year in 2006. Bob is survived by his children: Greg (Julie) Whitworth; Linda (Jim) Cappaert; Lori (Neal) Reince and Gay (special friend Guy) Bultman; grandchildren: Elissa Lukes and her friend Andrew; Sara (Aaron) Brooks; Jeremy (Katie) Lukes; Alana (Spencer) Renier; Michael (special friend Jenna) Bultman; Michelle (special friend Josh) Bultman and Samantha LaCrosse; great grandchildren: Dominic LaCrosse; Jonah, Gabriel and Lily Brooks. He also has many friends that touched his life, especially Betty, Tony, Jan and the “Card Playing Girls”. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Walter. The family will greet friends and celebrate Bob’s love for music at a Celebration of His Life on Thursday, March 29, 2012, after 4:00 pm until the time of service at, McMahon Funeral Home, 530 Main St., Luxemburg. Prayer service 7:00 pm Thursday at the funeral home with St. Louis Parish Director, Sr. Marlene Dimmerling, officiating. Per Bob’s wishes he will be cremated and placed at the Shrine of the Good Shepard Mausoleum with his wife Patty. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Kewaunee Care Center for exceptional care and Bellin Hospital’s 4th floor, especially Rhonda and Anne for making Bob’s final days as comfortable as possible. Also Unity Hospice for helping Bob and his family prepare for his final hours. As for Dad’s favorite song “The Saints Go Marching In”, what a fitting song for his last hours! Dad – Forever keep music in our hearts!