Robert Fishelson

Lifelong Fond du Lac resident, Robert “Fish” Fishelson, a well-known businessman and friend to all, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 3rd, 2018 at the age of 81.

Bob was born in Fond du Lac on August 11th, 1937 and was a pillar of the community his entire life. He attended UW Madison until his father became ill, requiring him to return to the area and assume part ownership of Badger Liquor Company upon the death of his father. He was devoted to the company until his retirement at the age of 72.

Bob met his soul mate and love of his life, Cheryn (Cheri) Budjac while running lights and sound for the Miss Fond du Lac Pageant of which she was a contestant. He married Miss Fond du Lac April 5th, 1969. They have three children; Robecca Kuber (Vince), Michael Fishelson (Trinity), and Daniel Fishelson (Jessica LaBrasseur). He has one grandbuddy Odin Robert, son of Daniel and Jessica. Preceding Bob in death were his parents, Irving and Leone Fishelson.

Bob was actively involved in the community, participating as a member in: Amateur Radio Relay League, REACT, Isaac Walton League, Rocky Mountain Elk Club, Green Lake Association, Green Lake Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Wildwings, Sturgeon for Tomorrow, South Hills, and Temple Beth Israel. He coached Little League baseball and was active in Fond du Lac Softball. He was an officer in: the Fond du Lac Jaycees, Noon Rotary, Elks, FDL County Emergency Management, Fondy Vettes, Fondy Snow Flyers, PTO, Fond du Lac Sports Car Club, and Sports Car Club of America. One of Bob’s proudest achievements was being an active member of Noon Rotary, where he served as president and received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, Rotary’s highest honor.

Bob loved cars and prided himself in driving unusual racy sports vehicles. He owned fifteen new modified racing Corvettes. He was often on the Road America track or competing in sports car rallies and ice trials, usually winning. He was also instrumental in starting local sports car clubs; the Fondy Vettes and Fond du Lac Sports Car Club, and has trophies and awards to show his expertise. Bob’s love of speed and machinery carried

over to snow. He was influential in starting the Fondy Snow Flyers Club and raced modified snowmobiles on trails and ice.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman, car enthusiast, and amateur radio (ham) operator. He was the Emergency Coordinator for the Fond du Lac County Emergency Management Center where he was an avid ham radio operator and responder, being first on the scene with his radio to establish safety. He hammed with people all over the world for pleasure but often was the only source of communication during disasters, patching communications together in the days before cell phones. Bob was proud of his radio room, having walls plastered with QSL cards.

Bob was a devoted husband and father and enjoyed volleyball, bowling, and golf, participating in couples leagues with his wife. Family was his priority. Bob prided himself on passing his passion and knowledge to his children and proudly supported all of their endeavors.

There were no boundaries to Bob’s friendship. He was simply a friend to all and he silently supported anyone who asked. He wanted to be sure everyone around him was enjoying life and often said, “Just as long as you’re having fun.”

Bob lived a full and happy life, surrounded by family and many friends who know his final farewell would be, “SEE YOU LIQUOR!” with a big smile and aggressive handshake.

Visitation: Bob’s family will greet relatives and friends for a time of visitation at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac, on Wednesday, November 7th, 2018 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM.

Services: A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 8th, 2018 at 12:00 PM at Temple Beth Israel, 149 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac and then continue, graveside at Rienzi Cemetery.

Memorials in Bob’s honor can be sent to the Fond du Lac Area Foundation – The Bob Fishelson Family Fund, 384 N. Main Street #4, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.