Robert Dale Sherwood, age 78, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Bob was born on March 2, 1947 in Chicago, IL, son of the late Robert and Patricia (nee Rothinghouse) Sherwood. 

Bob is survived by his wife Ann (nee Butenhoff), his three children, Kathy (Paul) Duscher, Michael (Annie) Sherwood, and Alissa (George) Sherwood, and grandchildren Ben and Jenna Duscher. Bob is also survived by his sister Jill (Jim) Quick, brother-in-law Paul (Patty) Butenhoff, his niece and nephew Jessa (Brett) Torvik and Jeff Quick, and best friend Bill Ferron, along with many other close friends and neighbors whom he loved dearly. 

Bob married his best friend, Ann in 1972 and enjoyed 53 wonderful years of marriage. He was quick to share with everyone that marrying Ann was “…the best decision I ever made.” 

Bob grew up in Glenview, IL and graduated from MSOE with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1969 as a member of Kappa Eta Kappa fraternity. He began his career working at GE Medical Systems and Marquette Electronics before founding ESS, Electronic Service Specialists, with his brother-in-law Paul Butenhoff. He built a very successful business surrounded by a talented team of friends and colleagues repairing computers before retiring in 1987. 

Even after retirement, Bob continued to pursue his passion for engineering and tinkering and especially loved a project that would help other people. When he wasn’t spending time with friends and family, you could find him in his garage designing and prototyping his next invention. He enjoyed ham radio, skydiving (200+ jumps!), camping, bicycling and aviation. Bob built 3 airplanes and flew them out of Hartford, WI municipal airport. 

Those who were lucky enough to know Bob wouldn’t be surprised to find him climbing trees in the backyard to hang radio antennas, dive-bombing their homes with Twinkies from his airplane, and scaring local children with his over-the-top Halloween displays. 

Bob was a genuinely kind-hearted and humble human being and will be greatly missed by those who knew him. Though the past two years were increasingly difficult for him, he was grateful for the opportunity to share with those he loved most dear what they truly meant to him – and we were grateful to do the same. During one of those moments, he said, “I know this sounds stupid, but I’m really going to miss you guys.” Boy, will we miss you too, Bob.   

A Celebration of Life visitation will be held at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Menomonee Falls on Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 12:00-3:00pm, with a short service at 2:30pm.

Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org at Bob’s request.  

Thank you to all the caregivers that have helped us throughout the past two years.  You are appreciated more than you know.