Robert H. Wyngaard

Robert H. “Esca” Wyngaard

Our beloved father, husband, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully and was welcomed with open arms into heaven by our mother, Florence, on May 29, 2025. He passed away a short 4 months after she did. Bob was born on December 9, 1936 to the late Henry and Gertrude (VandenBurgt) Wyngaard. He was the youngest of seven children.

Bob attended St. John grade school and later graduated from St. John High School in 1955.  After graduation, he started working at Appleton Papers before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. His time spent in the Navy was aboard the USS Newport News where it traveled to Europe and the Mediterranean Sea. After his discharge, he went back to work at Appleton Papers and at the time of his retirement, after 43 years, was one of the longest tenured employees they had. Bob and Florence met on her birthday when she bought him a drink and were later married on September 22, 1959 celebrating over 65 years of marriage. In the first nine years, they welcomed six boys to the family.

Bob instilled in his sons a strong work ethic. When he started working at Appleton Papers, it was a day job. As the family started to grow, he took second jobs at both Sears and Elm Tree Bakery to provide more support for the family. Later, he took a shift job at Appleton Papers because the pay was better. This meant he had to work holidays such as Christmas Eve and Christmas Day during the second and third shifts as we were growing up. He did this to fully support his family and his dedication to his wife and kids.

Two of Bob’s passions were bowling and playing cards. His highest bowling game was 268. He was an avid cribbage and sheepshead player.

Bob enjoyed summer vacations at Crooked Lake over the last 65 years. It is here where he taught his boys how to fish. Over the years we refined our fishing skills but it was he who set us up to succeed. The last few years, it was our turn to help him enjoy his time fishing.

After retirement, Bob and Florence enjoyed taking bus trips to the horse races, east coast, Island Resort, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Arkansas, and Florida.

As if that wasn’t enough, he made time to join the Holy Angels Education and Athletic Association committees! He also was a long-time member of the American Legion Post 60 including treasurer and color guard. We are so proud of his dedication and love for his family.

Bob is survived by his sons: Tim (Michelle), Bruce (Chris), Tom (Robin), Bill (Mark), Mike (Karen), and Matt (Bridget). He is further survived by twelve grandchildren: Morgan (Olivia) and Kristin; Justin, Lindsey, and Courtney (Lisandro); Amanda and Ben; Hunter (Elizabeth), Emma (fiancé Isaac), and Max (fiancé Emma); Ty and Abby; great grandchildren: Patrick and Daniel. He is also survived by his sister, Martha Evers; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Wyngaard; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Florence in January 2025; his parents, Henry and Gertrude Wyngaard; father and mother-in-law, Ted and Dorothy Sanderfoot; his brothers and sisters: Dorothy (Richard) Grapentin, Marie (Frank) Schiedermayer, Anthony (Theo) Wyngaard, Ruth Huss, Harold Evers, and Dick Wyngaard. Also preceding him in death are his brother and sisters-in-law: Vincent (Alice) Sanderfoot, Ray (Eunice) Sanderfoot, and Cliff (Joan) Sanderfoot.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Holy Spirt Parish, 600 E. Kimberly Ave., Kimberly, with Fr. Carl Schmitt officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the Mass. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.   

The family would like to send a special thank you to his family physician Dr. David Anderla, Moments Hospice especially Faedra and Melissa, and the care givers at Country Villa for the care given to Bob.