Crabb, Robert Austin

Other Events:

• Obituary: 9 Sep 2015; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Bob reluctantly left his loving wife, Jo, and went into the arms of his Savior. He praised the Lord for ten golden years. Bob was born in De Pere, respectful son of the late Philip and Mary (Hoff) Crabb.
He was a loving father, husband and friend to so many near and far. Bob enjoyed over 50 wonderful years with his first wife Marilynn (Miller). He loved life and had an infectious positive attitude, always seeing the best in every situation and person he met. He worked for many years with Prudential Life Insurance Company and eventually went on to own and operate his own insurance company, semi-retiring in 1999. He was very instrumental in assisting family members to secure lasting businesses.
His door was always open and welcoming. Bob was a very active person and accomplished many things throughout his lifetime. He always gave back to his community by belonging to numerous organizations - too numerous to mention. Some of his largest accomplishments were graduating from Bryn Mawr College in Philadelphia, becoming a Charter Underwriter in Family Finance, a Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table, and taught advanced underwriting courses. He resided six months of the year in Naples, FL, where he belonged to Community Church, and the other six months here in Wisconsin, where he belonged to Appleton Alliance Church. He leaves behind many treasured friends from both places. Bob was a Green Bay Packer season ticket holder since 1957, and attended the "Ice Bowl." He left a family legacy at his cottage at Pine Lake, where he loved spending his summers. Bob was curious and a life-long learner.
Throughout his life he endured a severe hearing loss which could have deterred his career and life, but only made him more determined to be successful. His Cochlear implant in 1990 enhanced his life and led to finding his wife, Jo. His was a life well lived. Bob was a grateful and blessed man to have known his Savior and his final destination after his remarkable earthly journey.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Kintopf Crabb, his grateful and loving son Tom and Carla of Madison; his adoring daughter, Cathy and Dick Swanson of Hilbert; his Grandchildren who gave him great pride: Jeff (Kristie) Peeters, Lisa (Tim) Hanna, Tricia Verkuilen (Karla Niemuth); and Adrian (Heidi) Crabb of Madison and Zachary Crabb of Madison. He was thrilled by his great grandchildren: Nicole, Olivia, Carson and Kaden Peeters; Jackson and Sophie Verkuilen; Isaiah, Kimana, Declan and newborn twins Levi and Evianna Crabb. He was a proud brother to his big sister, Helen Wolters, of Neenah, and all of his special nieces and nephews and their significant others. His life became richer with the years he shared with Jo's three sons and family: Jeff and Stephanie, Chip and Dawn, Andrew and Kathy Kintopf. He was happy to be "Step Bob" to Preston, Kylie, Sidonie, Emma, Griffin, Marrissa and Liam. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sue (Peter) Neumueller. He was a fatherly friend to Deborah Hyde and Tim Nichols.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Marilynn, his parents, four brothers: Howard, John, Francis, and Donald Crabb, his sister, Sister Margaret, and mother-in-law, Gert Stroshine.
A celebration of Bob's life will take place at 1 pm on Friday, September 11, at Appleton Alliance Church, 2693 W. Grand Chute Blvd., Grand Chute. Friends may visit directly at the church on Friday for 11 am until the time of service. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Thompson Community Center, 820 W. College Ave. Appleton, WI 54914, or contribute to a charity of your choice in Bob's name.
Austin, we were so blessed - and we knew it.
Josie

Robert married Miller, Marilyn Aft 1939. Marilyn was born 25 Mar 1921; died 16 Jun 2004. [Group Sheet]