Robert “Bob” Ferries, 81, passed away at his home in Ontario on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born May 4, 1935, to Vere and Elna (Lord) Ferries in Ontario.
Bob served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany and Texas.
Bob was united in marriage to Alice Langan on Aug. 29, 1956, in Cashton. Together they raised their three children and farmed in Ontario.
Living in the country, Bob truly learned to do just a little bit of everything. He loved to hunt and enjoyed a good Packer game. Bob was probably best known for his skills as a meat processor and his unique ability to care for horses. These are two talents he would openly share with any neighbors who were in need of either.
In place of his machinery, Bob logged the woods using his horses. At a very young age, Bob spent much of his time with his horses. He got his first one at the age of 7. As he grew, he became very active in pulling contests. This was a lifetime passion for him, and it placed him in the Horse Pullers Hall of Fame in 2001. The events took place throughout the county. Bob loved involving his family in these competitions when he traveled. Whether on the road or at home, his most enjoyable time was spent with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice; their three children, Jeff (Diane) Ferries of Norwalk, Sheila (Tom) Butzler of Tomah and Dee Ann (Mark) Hunter of Galesville, Wis.; his grandchildren, Cassie (Jimmy) Miller, Luke (Kristi) Ferries, Josh (Gracie) Ferries, Logan Ferries, Chase Ferries, Daelynn (Rob) Phares, Tyler (Paige Waldera) Butzler, Sierra (Matt Rice) Butzler, and Allison, Alexi and Aleah Hunter; his great-grandchildren, Addisyn, Jameson, Kinsley, Wyatt, Parker and Jaxten; a sister, Nancy Mulder of Maryland; a sister-in-law, Mary Langan of Edgerton, Wis.; a brother-in-law, Floyd Belt of Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vere and Elna, and his sisters, Jane Palen and Clara Belt.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, at Mount Pisgah Wesleyan Church in Ontario. Burial will follow in Hilltop Rest Cemetery, also in Ontario. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Relatives and friends are invited for visitation Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 4–7 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of service, both at the church. The Torkelson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
