Robert Earl Cole

Robert “Bob” Earl Cole, age 79, of De Soto, WI, passed away at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center in La Crosse on Monday, October 21, 2024. He was born on August 28, 1945, in the La Crosse Hospital to Earl and Lurene (Zink) Cole. Bob graduated from De Soto High School in 1964. After graduation, he continued working with his parents on the family farm until

March 1, 1977. After that, he worked for several area farmers until 2004 when he developed heart problems. He worked as a night guard in a factory in Lansing, Iowa, for 15 years. He also supervised the Wheatland Township Garbage and Recycling Center in Red Mound for 20 years. Many area farmers also called on him to help with tobacco stripping. He was always willing to help other people when they needed that helping hand.

Bob met a lot of people through his jobs and always enjoyed striking up a conversation with them. Most of the time he would have a few funny jokes for them. He loved telling jokes and making everyone laugh. Bob went to Las Vegas when his nephew got married. He had a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends. He enjoyed watching the Wisconsin Badgers (both football and basketball), the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks and of course the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed going to several Brewer games and attended a Green Bay Packer game.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Lurene Cole; two aunts, Helen Marson and Edith Cole; three uncles, Eugene Zink, Kenneth Marson, and Alvin Cole.

He is survived by his brother, Roger (Valerie) Cole; his nephew, Andrew (Sarah Klingman-Cole) Cole and their two children. He is further survived by his aunt, Rita Zink, and several cousins. He is also survived by a very special friend, Debra Wacker.

A Funeral Service for Bob will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the De Soto Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Bob will be laid to rest at Walnut Mound Cemetery following a luncheon at the church. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to De Soto Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association.

Special thanks to all the wonderful and caring people at Mayo Hospice, especially Ellyn, Tairyn, and Gloria. Also, thank you to the staff at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center for their help.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home & Crematory is serving Bob's family.

123 W. Decker St.

Viroqua, WI 54665

608-637-2100