J. Robert Metz

J. Robert Metz age 90 of Woodruff WI passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 after a 4 year struggle with Parkinson's. Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan to Jim and Anna Metz on November 18, 1924. He grew up in the Detroit area with sisters Eileen and Wilma and brothers Jack and Jim. After graduating high school in New Haven, Michigan, Bob joined the Army Air Force and served during World War II as a navigator in the 483rd Bombardment Group H flying 35 missions over Europe. After serving in the Air Force Bob attended Michigan State University studying Civil Engineering. While still in college on a blind date Bob met the love of his life Barbara Tough. They married July 9, 1949 in Mt Clemens, Michigan. While raising their family Bob and Barbara moved several times settling in Naperville, Illinois until Bob retired in 1987 after working as an engineer for Ductal Iron Pipe Research Association 25 years. After retiring Bob and Barbara moved to their lake property on Fence Lake in Lac Du Flambeau where Bob supervised the building of their new home. They lived at the lake which was the site of many happy and fun filled family and friend gatherings for 25 years. Time there was spent swimming, skiing, fishing, paddle boating, watching for the eagles, listening to the loons and laughing at the hummingbirds (birds that Bob faithfully fed all those years) fight over the feeders. Memories include our many nights sitting at the shore by the fire pit laughing, reminiscing and laughing some more - and most famously the memory of Bob's butt busters from the end of the dock, his grandchildren's' personal favorite!! Bob enjoyed fishing, golf, working in the yard, woodworking, travel, reading and splitting his cords of wood to keep the fireplaces going during the long Northwoods winter! But, spending time with his family was his true joy. Bob was an active member at the Community Presbyterian Church. He volunteered for 25 years in the rehab unit at Ministry Howard Young Hospital where he was a well known face. Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughters Jill (Karen), Dawn (Larry), Robyn (Jim), and son Bob(Laura). Seven grandchildren Matthew, Rebecca (Tim), Adam, Eric, James, Morgan, and Michael. Four great-grandchildren Rick, Logan, Jenna, and Wyatt. Sister Wilma, and sister-in-law Phyllis. Celebration of Bob's Life is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 2pm. at Community Presbyterian Church 643 Old Abe Road, Lac Du Flambeau, Wisconsin 54538. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Community Presbyterian Church.

J. Robert Metz

November 18, 1924 - November 26, 2014