A life well lived and the creative mind of Robert ‘Bobby’ Rew, 73 of Birnamwood, was stilled by esophageal cancer on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at his home with his wife, Cheryl (Young), of 53 years and his entire family by his side. His spirit will be carried on by his son, Daniel (Paula) and daughter, Kim (Jeff) Zeller. He got to watch his grandchildren, Riley (Carli Bricco) Rew and Dana Rew grow into wonderful adults that he was very proud of.
Bobby was born on April 16, 1944, in Birnamwood, the son of the late Rueben and Violet (Timm) Rew.
On May 16, 1964, Bobby was united in marriage to Cheryl Young at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Birnamwood. She survives.
Bobby was part owner and operated the family business, Rew Motors Inc., with his brothers for 57 years until his retirement. He served as the Birnamwood Area Fire Chief, a village board member and a Birnamwood Area Development Corp. member for many years. Bobby volunteered at the Birnamwood Polka Days, Sno Parade and homecomings and for the last 15 years at the Crandon Brush Run. He was an organizer of the Birnamwood Trail Riders Snowmobile Club in the days when the drag or groomer was a bed spring. He enjoyed snowmobiling, being a ‘Hodager’ since 1984, Edgar Steam Engine Days, camping anywhere, creating things in the shed and helping his family. In the 70’s he helped build a cabin in Alvin, WI that is enjoyed by everyone to this day.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Cheryl; two children, Daniel (Paula) Rew and Kimberly (Jeff) Zeller all of Birnamwood; two grandchildren, Riley (Carli Bricco) Rew and Dana Rew; siblings, Dennis (Debbie) Rew, Sally ‘Cookie’ (Jack) Van Order, John (Katherine) Rew and James (Karen) Rew all of Birnamwood; nieces and nephews, Jessica Rew, Kyle Van Order, Jenny Van Order, Brian (Melanie) Rew, Mike (Becky) Rew, Megan (Rich) Olson, Tim (Amanda) Rew and Brandon and Maxx Duginske and great nieces and nephews.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Penny Rew, and nephews, Jay Van Order and Nicholas Rew.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Birnamwood. Rev. Adam Roberts will officiate. Interment will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood and again on Thursday from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or at Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home on Facebook.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Antigo Cancer Center, Eastview nurses and CNA’s and LeRoyer Hospice for the exceptional care given to Bobby.