Robert J. Ambrose

Robert (Bob) J. Ambrose of DePere passed on to heaven to join his parents and siblings on February 12th, 2015. He died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loved ones. He was a kind, gentle soul who was a dedicated husband and father that worked hard all his life to support his family. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan and never missed a game. He attended the Ice Bowl, and had season tickets for many years. His family will hear his strong voice during every Packer game, win or loss.

Bob was born on May 23rd, 1930, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was the son of the late Royal (Jack) and Josephine (Josie Meyers) Ambrose. He was the third oldest of thirteen children. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Dick, Janet, Tom, Nancy, John, Darlene, and Dan.

Bob was married to the love of his life, Kaye Lingl, in DePere on May 18th, 1963 at St. Boniface church and they were blessed with five beautiful children, seventeen wonderful grandchildren, and six energetic great grandchildren.

Bob was twelve years old when he took his first job at a grocery store. When he was thirteen, he began setting pins at the bowling alley. Through the years, he became quite the avid bowler attaining a 299 bowling award and earned the nickname "Bambi".

Bob was a very humble and wise man of few words, but he was a hero to all who loved him. At seventeen, he enlisted in the National Guard and soon became a Drill Sergeant. He worked many different jobs throughout his life, including being an ice delivery man and a salesman for the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company. Bob was a long-time track official at Brown County Fairgrounds for the stock car races and demolition derbies.

In the years following his retirement from Pepsi-Cola, Bob drove bus and truck for drum & bugle corps in support of his daughters who participated in competitions across the United States. He was an enthusiastic deer hunter and outdoorsman, enjoying many adventures with Kaye and their son, daughters, grandchildren, and friends. He took his last ride deer hunting at the age of 84 in 2014. His hobbies included reading, bowling, watching John Wayne movies and NCIS, hunting, fishing, puzzles, including recording commercials and remodeling houses with Kaye.

He is survived by his wife, Kaye, their children: Jon Ambrose (Kristie), Barbra (Jim) Van De Hei, Brenda Ambrose, Beth (Steve) Green, and Brittiany (Michael) Koren, and their many grandchildren: Doug "Bobby" (Kristen) Ambrose, Kattie (Mark) Barber, Michael (Tiffany) Ambrose, Pyke Ambrose, Steven Verdegan, Kendra Ambrose, Nash "GoJoe" Mader, Cody Van De Hei, Brock Verdegan, Matt Ambrose, Michael Koren II, Josie "Princess Josie" Green, Brooklyn Van De Hei, Luke Ambrose, Jake Green, Sabrena "Beanie" Koren, and Samantha Koren; and great grandchildren: McKenna, Moriah, Nolan, Leiah, Cammi, and Sophia; his sisters: Doris Leiterman, Betty Verheyen, Bonnie Peters, Jackie Zuelke, Judy Sprangers, and his brother-in-laws Jim (Carolyn) Lingl, Bob (Regina) Lingl, Jeff Lingl, Don Lingl, Patti (Rick) Teich, Peter Lingl, Paul Lingl, many nieces and nephews, and friends. He shared his birthday with his grandson, Jake.

Friends and relatives are invited to attend church services at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 991 Pilgrim Way, Green Bay, WI 54304 on Sunday, February 15th, 2015 at 3 PM with Pastor Mark L. McAnlis. A luncheon will be served following services.

Bob often said "Keep up the good work," to his children and grandchildren in support of their many endeavors. He was so proud of each and every one of them. His humbleness and wise words were appreciated by many throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful nursing staff at St. Vincent Hospital and Unity Hospice Care who kindly cared for Bob with compassion and sincerity. A special thanks to Jenny Van De Hei for stopping in to see us.