Robert (Bob) J Phelan Sr., age 90 was called home to his Lord on January 29, 2021. Bob was born in Kimberly on December 17, 1930, second child to the late John and Florence (Wall) Phelan. Bob married the love of his life, Germaine (Jeanie) Van Domelen, on May 28, 1953 at St John’s Catholic Church in Little Chute. Together they raised 7 children.
Bob was an award winning bowler and is in the Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame. Bob also enjoyed softball and golf with his lifelong friends. He was actively involved in Kimberly Recreation Association as a director and member. Along with working to bring the World Softball Tournament to Kimberly, Bob was instrumental in securing the donation of a substantial portion of land that abutted Sunset Park. Bob was able to get Kimberly Clark Corporation to donate the land used for softball fields (upper diamonds) at Sunset Park.
Bob was employed his entire 43 year career at Kimberly Clark Corporation. He worked as a Research Scientist with the Research and Development Group. To date he holds 11 patents with the US Patent Office for his contribution to the development of various products for Kimberly Clark. You can thank him the next time you mail a package or letter in a Tyvek Envelope.
Bob was a devoted father and husband. His children never questioned his love for them. After 67 years of marriage, he stilled kissed my mother good night every night, and brought her coffee in the morning. As parents they taught by example, and we learned the importance of honesty and integrity in all we did as his children.
Bob is survived by his wife and love of 67 years, Jeanie, and five of his seven children. Kat (Cynthia Littlepage) Romenesko, Oklahoma; Dan (Barbara) Phelan, Florida; Mary (Ron) Voelz, Appleton; Bob II (Coleen) Phelan, Symco; Terry Phelan, Neenah.
He is further survived by Grandchildren; James (Katie) Phelan, Tracy (Jason Lux) Phelan, Sarah (Ryan) Vande Kolk, Kayla Phelan, Tommy (Halie) Patterson, Macie Walls; Nicolee (Daniel) Pulliam, Jasper Volez ; Jessica (Jesse Winkler) Phelan, Nikki (Darin Diver Sr) Trombello, Christopher Phelan; Kathleen, Liam and Bob III Phelan; Duane (Elena Rakowski) Phelan, Jonah Phelan, Emily (Thomas) Armstrong, Savannah Phelan; and 22 Great Grandchildren.
Bob is additionally survived by a brother Bill (Kay) Phelan; in-laws Donna (Merl) Friebel ; Elka Van Domelen; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his sons Dave and John and a grandson Avery. Also preceding him were his parents, John and Florence (Wall) Phelan, along with Jeanie’s parents Edward and Bertha (Van Rossum) Van Domelen. Sisters Alice (Wayne) LeFevre; Flossie (Elmer) Hoffman; brother John (Barbara Phelan); in-laws Delores (Don) Peters; Roger (Mary) Van Domelen; Richard Van Domelen; Joyce Mauthe; David Van Domelen and several nephews.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, private family services will be held. Those wishing to view the service online may do so on the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Facebook Page on Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to our neighbors; John and Sue, Lance and Peggy and Al and Mary Anne. Additionally, thanks to the staff at TouchMark on Prospect for their care and compassion in taking care of our Dad.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Thanks for all the sacrifices you made for us and being a good role model and example. We love you Dad, and look forward to the day when we are reunited with you.
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