Robert Uselmann

Robert Uselmann Obituary (9/9/29-6/16/15)

Robert G. Uselmann, age 85, passed away on Tuesday June 16, 2015 at Oak Park Place after a short battle with prostate cancer.

Before his death, he was a 15 year lung cancer survivor and the family would like to thank the surgeons and the Good Lord for keeping him on this earth after his initial cancer diagnosis in 2000.

He was born in Madison on 9-9-29 (he liked to say it that way) to Peter and Alma Uselmann.

Bob to his family and friends and "Sarge" to his brothers in blue, he grew up on Williamson Street where the family owned "Uselmann's Diner". He attended Holy Redeemer grade school and East High after which he went into the United States Army for a year. Upon his return, he married his childhood sweetheart Norma Jean Thomas on October 25, 1952.

In 1953, he started what would be an illustrious 32 year career with the Madison Police Department. He retired in 1985. While on the police department, he served in various roles including patrolman, traffic cop and dispatcher but his true passion was the role of sergeant. He loved mentoring the young police officers and being with them on the streets. He made long lasting friendships that have remained to this day.

He often referred to being a Madison Police sergeant as his dream job. To Bob, it was an honor to serve and protect the community and city of Madison, that he loved. His sense of humor and likeable personality were much appreciated. He established various procedures at the department that are still in place today and left behind a legacy which his fellow officers past and present won't soon forget.
He was once recognized as officer of the year and featured in The Wisconsin State Journal's "Know Your Madisonian" column.

Bob was a diehard sports fan who loved the Badgers, Packers and Brewers. He was looking forward to Brett Favre's retirement ceremonies in Green Bay. He enjoyed spending time with his kids while they were growing up. Whether it was bike riding, ice skating, swimming, bowling, or card games like cribbage and dirty clubs, Bob was involved with his kids. He loved spelling and really liked helping his daughters study for the city spelling bees. He raved about his wife's cooking and never wanted to miss her meals. ("1220, supper my home")

In his retirement years there were four grandchildren that he was able to spend time with. In the past few years he looked forward to any chance he had to see his great granddaughters.

In 2012, Bob and Norma moved to the Arbors where he enjoyed being a part of the community there. Despite his declining health, he was able to enjoy wii bowling and bingo. He even earned the nickname "Bingo Bob".

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dick, Don and Ronnie; and sister, Delores.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years and caregiver, Norma; son, Brad; daughter, Sheri (Rodney) Kumlien; granddaughters, Emily "Emmi" Kumlien and Kati (Joel) Miner; great-grandchildren, Lexi-Mae Miner and Ginni Miner; daughter, Lori (Neil) Lonergan; grandsons, Michael (Kelly) and Brian.

The family would like to thank long time family physician Dr. Peter Idesvoog for his excellent care, the staff at the Arbors and Oak Park Place, and Heartland Hospice for their help in the final days.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, with Father Randy Timmerman presiding. There will be a visitation on Monday, June 22, 2015 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, and also from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass at the church on Tuesday.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com

Ryan Funeral Home
& Cremation Services
2418 N. Sherman Ave.
608-249-8257