Obituaries & Guestbook

Robert “Bob” Giese, 73, of Sheboygan passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, Wednesday May 31, 2023. Bob was born January 26, 1950, to the late Robert and Dorothy (Lindeman) Giese. He was raised in Green Bay, graduating from Green Bay East High.
Bob was a natural athlete. Notably a standout baseball player, leading the Fox Valley in batting average his Senior year, which led MLB scouts to take notice. He received an invitation from the Chicago White Sox to “tryout”/participate in training camp. Ultimately, he wasn’t able to accept the invitation because he was drafted into the military, where he proudly served his country for four years in the Coast Guard.
The first two years of his service were spent manning a lighthouse on Little Gull Island. Bob was united in marriage to Anna (Van Lanen) Giese on July 15, 1972 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Askeaton. The couple lived in Connecticut for the last two years of his service while he was assigned search and rescue on the Long Island Sound.
Following Coast Guard services, they returned to Green Bay where he received an Associates degree in model building and design, which led to his career at Kohler Company. He was employed at Kohler for 39 years retiring in 2016, following a career in Industrial Design and Human Factors. Bob helped lead dozens of Kohler products that ultimately received patents.
He was full of life and enjoyed countless adventures and travels with his beloved wife Anna. Family time was a priority for Bob and raising his kids brought him great joy. He deeply treasured his last seven years as a Grandpa and cherished every minute he spent with them.
Bob had empathy for the hungry and coordinated with St. Vincent de Paul to feed families during the holidays. He had a calm and humorous personality with a contagious smile. He enjoyed playing cards and “talking smart”. Bob loved camping, growing and nurturing his many plants, and his daily sudoku and puzzles. He closely followed the Brewers, Badgers, Packers, and Bucks…especially if that meant watching or going to games with his son. He spent countless hours sitting in a lawn chair under shade trees with his radio while listening to Bob Uecker and the Brewers.
Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years Anna; son Matt (Rachael) Giese of Sun Prairie and their children Grace, Ella and one more on the way; daughter Gina (Andrew) Havlovick of Appleton and their children Winston, Ezra and Violet. Bob is further survived by his sisters Caroline (Richard) Hughes of FL, Sue (Dale) Evraets of KY, Diane (Dale) Zehms of WA, and brother David (Julie) Giese of Suamico.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brother Steve.
Family and friends may gather at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, 1439 S. 12th Street, Sheboygan on Monday June 12, 2023, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. A private burial will follow for the family.
Online condolences welcomed at www.reinboldfh.com