Muchow, Robert Frank Otto "Bob" of La Crosse WI (formerly of Chicago and Minneapolis) at the age of 99 on June 12 received "the tap on the shoulder" from his Lord for which he had been waiting.

Bob was born on April 16, 1925 in Chicago to Erhardt and Caroline Muchow. He studied engineering at the University of Michigan then served in the Navy at the end of World War II, aboard the destroyer USS Rupertus. After the war, he traveled aboard the Rupertus through the Panama Canal, to San Francisco, Seattle and Tsingtao, China. Returning to Chicago after his service was completed, he met the love of his life, Helen Knezevich, who was a nursing student at the time. They married in Chicago on July 29, 1950. Two sons, Mark and Mike, came along in due time and kept them busy. His career as a safety engineer for Travelers Insurance led Bob and Helen first to Perrysburg, Ohio, then to the Minneapolis area, where they settled down for the rest of their 50+ years together.

Bob and Helen enjoyed many adventures including wintering in Texas and Florida, boating on Lake Minnetonka, and an oft-recalled trip to Rome. After Helen's death in 2001, Bob lived in Florida for a time then, when health challenges arose, he moved to La Crosse, WI where his son Mike lives.  He lived at Eagle Crest North for many years, in both independent living and assisted living, where he made many new friends including his special friend Barb Lemon. Barb and Bob were a dynamic duo; they agreed on most everything except politics, but especially they agreed on taking joy in life. His nickname at Eagle Crest was "Cadillac Bob", though he eventually gave his Caddy to a family member who needed a car. The staff all knew him well and vice versa. Near the end of his life, he moved to Eagle Crest South when he needed more help and was well cared for there as well.   

Bob's life was shaped by his strong Lutheran faith and his deep love for his family. He was a friend to all, and always had a quip or a song on his lips. One of his favorite songs was "Side by Side": "Ain't got a barrel of money, maybe we're ragged and funny, but we'll travel along, singing a song, side by side!".He enjoyed golf, traveling, and rooting for the Bears, Cubs and Michigan Wolverines.

Bob is survived by his sons Mark (Carolyn), Michael (Catherine Ryan) von Muchow, cherished granddaughters Rose and Madrigal von Muchow, and his sister-in-law Dorothy Mitrius. 

Bob was predeceased by his parents Erhardt & Caroline, his wife Helen, his sister Ruth Wilken, his brothers-in-law Steve Knezevich, Gil Wilken, and Marty Mitrius, and his close friend Barb.

The family thanks the staff at Eagle Crest and Gundersen Hospice for their care of Bob throughout his last years and final illness. Bob will be buried beside his beloved Helen in the Chicago area.

Published on June 16, 2024