Robert "Bob" J. Abts, age 65, of Brillion, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2014 at the Wisconsin Home for Veterans in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Bob was born on February 5, 1949 in Luxemburg, son of the late Robert T. and Florence (Thiry) Abts. He served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968-1969. On May 11, 1968, he married Joan E. Pilgrim at St Mary's Church in Algoma. She preceded him in death on December 20, 1986. Bob was the owner and operator of his transportation company. He truly loved what he did. In his spare time, he enjoyed bowling, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, and was a very proud Grandpa, enjoying his grandchildren and their sporting events. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Shawn (Michelle) Abts of Pulaski, Shelly (Steve) Tenor of Krakow and Steve (Robin) Abts of Brillion; grandchildren: Nathan, Caleb and Jadin Abts, Crystal, Kyle and Cassidy Tenor, and Alexandria, Aydin and Abigail Abts; his siblings: David (Marvel) Abts of Two Rivers, Myron Abts of Casco, Mary Ann (Kermit) Bourain of Green Bay, Shirley (Frank) Bradley of Denmark, Michael Abts of Nevada, Nancy (Jeff) Vandermeuse of Green Bay, Dale (special friend Donna Daly) Abts of Michigan and Anthony (Cheryl) Abts of Manitowoc; one godson: Scott (Kate) Bradley; other in-laws, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Joan, their son: Troy, one brother: Danny Abts, and other in-laws. Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be the Rev. Timothy Brandt with burial to follow at St. Anne's Catholic Cemetery in Francis Creek. Military Rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 126 of Brillion. Friends may call at the Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 26, 2014. The visitation will conclude with a prayer service. It will continue on Thursday morning at the church from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Online condolences may be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Holy Family Catholic Church in Bob's name. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Appleton and the staff at the Wisconsin Home for Veterans in Chippewa Falls for their compassion and care.
