Robert Birrenkott

WESTPORT/ WAUNAKEE- Robert Joseph “Bob” Birrenkott, age 80, died Friday, February 19, 2016, at home of natural causes. He was born May 8, 1935, in Madison, Wisconsin to Eulalia Annen and Hubert Birrenkott, both now deceased. He married Suzanne S. Schara on July 20, 1957, in Immanuel Lutheran Church, Madison.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; two sons, Daniel James (Mimi) Birrenkott of Springfield, Virginia, and Andrew Joseph (Karrie) of Durango, Colorado; five grandchildren, Caitlin, Molly, Alison, Stella and Jaxon; one brother, Michael (Maureen) Maloney; two sisters, Nancy Mahoney and Mary Ellen Masino; and several cousins, including Joann Trainor, who was like a sister to him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Rebecca Jo (1963 to 1980); and two sisters, Lois North and Donna Upham.

Bob was a long time resident of Madison where he lived until moving to his current home in 1992. After attending Madison East and Madison Central High Schools, he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served on active duty from 1952 to 1956, and reserves from 1956 to 1960, reaching the rank of Sergeant, and earning the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He served in the Republic of Korea from 1955 to 1956. He served as a Police Officer on the Madison Police Department from 1963 to 1998, where he was known as “Squeaky” and received the MPD Outstanding Service Commendation in November 1973. After retirement from the police department he worked as Maintenance Man for Saint Peter’s Catholic Church in Madison from 1990 to 2005. He was a member of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, American Legion Post 534, past president of the East Side Business Men’s Association, and a Kentucky Colonel. Throughout his life he also worked as a medical supply truck driver, cement finisher, snow plow truck operator, as well as a long list of volunteer activities.

Bob loved spending time with his family, telling stories, helping people and the occasional brandy old-fashioned. He lived his life to the fullest, and would want his passing to be celebrated with knowing smiles and laughter by his family and many friends.

The visitation is from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison, and also from 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at the church on Friday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, February 26, 2016, at ST. MARY OF THE LAKE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5460 Mary Lake Road, Westport, with Msgr. James Gunn presiding. Private burial will be at Sunset Memory Gardens at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in Bob's name.

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