Robert D. Quinn
Robert (Bob) Duane Quinn passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, November 20, 2015 at the age of 82.
I was born December 7, 1932 on a farm near Westfield, Wisconsin, delivered by a mid-wife. I was number 9 in a family of 10 children – 7 boys and 3 girls. At age 6, I moved from the farm to a small community called Lawrence, with six houses, two taverns, a brewery and a one-room country school located on Lawrence Lake. I grew up with fishing, hunting and fun. I completed grade school there and then completed four years at Westfield High School.
After graduation, I enlisted in the United States Air Force in June of 1950. I did my basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas during which time the Korean War started. Thinking I would be sent to Korea, I was called out with a group of 27 and sent to Lowry AFB in Denver, Colorado for schooling in supply records. Luck was with me – after a brief furlough home, I was sent to England for three years. I landed in England at night in December of 1950 at an Air Force base called Burtonwood, which had been a large base during World War II. It was just being reopened due to the start of the Korean War.
One night I went to town in Manchester to meet a cute little girl called Mary O’Connor. We seemed to hit it off good from the start. Luck was with me again. We set the wedding date for December 27, 1952. Once we were married, we could live off base. Being that I was one of the first groups there to reopen the base, I made promotions fast and went from Private First Class to Staff Sergeant in two years.
I returned to the USA with my new bride in November of 1953 and spent a two month furlough with family before being sent to Portland, Oregon. While there, our first child, Jacqueline, was born. I was discharged there in June of 1954 and returned to Westfield where I started my apprenticeship as a plumber. My second child, Paul, was born. I got my journeyman plumber’s license and we moved to Ripon where I worked for a plumbing contractor until I got my master plumber’s license. My third child, Patti, was born here.
We moved to Berlin where, with a partner, I started a plumbing and heating business in 1963. After three years, we dissolved the partnership and I started R.D. Quinn Plumbing & Heating. Our fourth child, Julie, was born. The business was very successful and I retired in 2005. I sold it to my son, Paul, and he still operates it today.
Mary and I loved to travel. We’ve been to most all of the lower 48 states and Alaska. We’ve returned several times to England, and we’ve also been to Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, France, Ireland, Scotland and several islands. I also enjoyed golf, war documentaries and history.
I am survived by my loving wife, Mary, of 62 years and our family – daughters Jacqueline (Jerry) McGee, Patti (Mike) Crump, and Julie (Mike) Schmidt and son Paul (Patti) Quinn – 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. I’ve also been blessed with many great friends and neighbors.
I enjoyed life to the fullest. I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe someone was looking after me to be so lucky.
Now somebody feed the birds.
So long, Bob.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to VFW Post 2925 of Berlin, WI 54923 in care of Brian Zamzow, N8750 Landing Rd., Berlin, WI 54923.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tues., November 24, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, N8566 WI-49, with Father David Greenfield officiating. Visitation will be held at Barbola Funeral Chapel, 282 E. Marquette St., Berlin on Monday, November 23, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited at 8:00 p.m. There will also be visitation on Tuesday morning from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Interment with full Military Honors will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Berlin. Private online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com.