Robert Dommershausen

Robert "Bob" / "Dommer" Dommershausen 1939 – 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Bob.  Bob is now resting in the presence of our Good Lord.  He passed away on October 28 with family and friends by his side, after facing many medical challenges.  Knowing Bob, however, he’s likely not resting at all, but joyfully reconnecting with family and friends who have gone before him.

Bob led a remarkable and active life.  Bob graduated from Madison Central High School in 1957. As a teenager, he demonstrated an early entrepreneurial spirit, earning a trip to Washington, D.C. through a Wisconsin State Journal newspaper contest by delivering both the morning & evening issues.  He also worked as a bus boy at Fedele’s Supper Club.  Bob was very frugal and saved money to partner with his father to open Bob & Ray’s Service Station.  As the business grew, they moved to a larger Pure Oil Station and finally to a larger Sinclair Shop all on Park Street.  He was heavily involved in helping our father manage the three "Bob & Ray's Pure/Sinclair" gas stations located over the years at different sites on Park Street in Madison: 702, 1129, and 2116.

He was a prominent figure in the Madison-area racing community, where he owned and drove late-model race cars, notably car numbers #21 and "O'Yellow."  He also owned the #21 modified car, often driven by the late Joe Jones.  They were regular competitors at the Oregon, Columbus, Jefferson, and Beaver Dam tracks.

Bob shared his passion for hockey by coaching youth teams in the Madison and Middleton areas, spanning the ages of Mites through high school levels.  His involvement included the Westmorland Youth and Middleton Youth clubs.  He played a pivotal role in forming the Middleton High School Club (now the Varsity Hockey program) and served as its first Assistant Coach.  A coaching highlight was leading the Madison West Flyers to a 1988 National Championship.  He also enjoyed playing on the Pitcher Pub team in the Madison Senior Hockey League and was a devoted fan of the UW Men's hockey team, traveling to many home and away games and several Final Four tournaments.

A lifelong collector, Bob had a passion for all things liquid, beer and soda related.  He belonged to several collector clubs and was especially active with his local Jim Beam Collectors Club and their International Association, receiving special recognition at both the district and international levels.  He was also honored with a special commemorative decanter from the Hamm’s Club for his dedication and enthusiasm.  Doing the little things, and not seeking the credit for having done them, doing whatever was needed at that moment.  A "Special Friend".

Bob was known for his passion for bottle collecting, his generosity in sharing knowledge, and his warmth and friendship within our collecting community.  He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Bob had a great love for travel, exploring all 48 continental U.S. states and taking numerous international trips, including visits to Germany, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Australia.

Professionally, Bob worked and retired from the UW Madison Campus Physical Plant after approximately 15 years, where he held positions including groundskeeper and utility heavy truck driver.  He also worked at the Janesville Chevrolet Assembly Plant and had some experience in construction, specifically hanging drywall.

Bob took great pride in being a supportive Godfather to Jake Metro, staying in close contact and lending a hand whenever possible.

Bob is survived by two brothers, Ron Dommershausen of Madison, and Tom Dommershausen (Patricia Wade) of Lebanon, OH; four sisters, Margaret (Peggy) Youngblood of Madison, Mary Hoffman of Gilbert, AZ, Jo Ann Dommershausen of Madison, and Donna (Jeff) Bauhs of Cambridge; and a nephew and niece, Ollie and Marquitta of Madison.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Margaret Dommershausen; a sister, Kay; brothers, Dick and Gerald; and a nephew, Anthony.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Mary's Care and Rehab Center for the exceptional care and support provided to Bob during his two-year stay. Their kindness and dedication made him feel like a cherished member of each of their families. Another special thank you to Agrace Hospice.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish - St. James Church, 1204 St. James Ct., Madison, Wisconsin 53715. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday at the church. Bob's family has asked that people attend wearing their favorite sports attire. A luncheon will follow at the Verona Ice Arena, Rink #2, 451 E. Verona Avenue, Verona, WI from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., where a pee-wee hockey game will be taking place from 12:00-1:00 p.m. A private family interment will be held in the spring at Calvary Cemetery in Beloit, Wisconsin.