Robert C. “Bob” Wattleworth, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Bob was born on August 23, 1928 to Robert and Gladys (nee McClenahan) in Cleveland, OH. Bob married Phyllis A. (nee Krueger) on July 18, 1980 in West Bend, WI.
Bob attended Case Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kent State University. He enjoyed a long career as a Professional Engineer (WI and OH) in the design of busses at Twin Coach and Flexible Coach in Ohio; firetrucks at FWD Corporation in Clintonville, WI; campers and snowmobiles at Mallard Coach in West Bend, WI, and Winnebago Inc. in Forest City, IA; and finally in the custom metal coatings industry as President/Owner of Kettle Moraine Coatings in Jackson, WI, which he retired from in 1986. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio.
Bob enjoyed a lifelong love of hunting and fishing; was an avid sailor; and was blessed to be able to enjoy one of his true passions: aviation. He was an instrument rated private pilot, and also loved flying scale model airplanes.
He was proud to have served as a past Chairman of the West Bend Airport Board. From his youth on, he spent many happy hours building detailed scale models of airplanes, trains, ships, submarines, and sailboats. This included building (and sometimes repair) of many radio controlled model airplanes that he flew over the years. Another lifelong fascination was shortwave Amateur “HAM” Radio communication. His call sign, K9EAN, was active for decades. There was always a soft spot in his heart for small animals, especially dogs. Bob shared these loves with family and many wonderful friends over the years.
Bob is survived by his wife of 35 years, Phyllis; children Ann Wattleworth Conis, Carol (David) Alness and Tim (Elizabeth) Wattleworth; grandchildren Peter Conis; Michael, Marit and Samuel Alness; Emma, Maciek and Michal Wattleworth. He is further survived by his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces; nephews and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughters’ mother Martha “Jean” Wattleworth (nee Campbell), with whom he was blessed to share 25 years of marriage before her unexpected passing; an infant daughter, Susan; and sister Beverly “Jane” (Franklin John “Jack”) Arnold.
A private interment will take place at Washington County Memorial Park and also at Graceland Cemetery in Clintonville, WI. The family requests donations be made to the Washington County Humane Society (3650 Hwy 60 Slinger, WI 53086).
Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the physicians and nursing staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital, the West Bend Clinic, and Cedar Lake Rehabilitation Center; and the caring friends, neighbors and family for their loving support