Robert J. “Bob” Watson, 73, of Hillsboro, Wis., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024, at Gundersen Health Services in La Crosse.
He was born Aug. 5, 1951, the son of Bernard and Mary (Malphy) Watson in Hillsboro. Robert graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1969.
Robert was united in marriage to Jean A. Fronk on June 12, 1982.
Bob worked in several different mechanic or maintenance positions, including Ken’s Mobil, Farmer’s Co-op, M & J Auto, Christmas Mountain Resort and Whitehall Specialties.
Bob also spent many years active in emergency services in the area. He served as an EMT in Hillsboro from the 1970s to 1999 and became co-director with Terry Sosinsky. He served on the Hillsboro Fire Department for 17 years, with many of those years as captain. He also served on the Hillsboro City Council.
Survivors include his brother-in-law, William (Carol) Fronk of Kendall; his sister-in-law, Diane Fronk (Jim Moore) of Tomah; his nephew, Matthew (Kelly) Fronk and family; his niece, Meredith (Jeremy) Tomesh and family; and his nephew, Chad (Samantha) Schiefelbein and family.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Watson, on July 19, 2023; his father, Bernard Watson; his mother, Mary O’Connor; his stepfather, Thomas O’Connor; and aunts and uncles.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro, with Thomas Hotek officiating. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro. A time of visitation will be at the Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 9–10:30 a.m.
