Robert Brown

Robert “Bob” James Brown, 86, of Onalaska, passed peacefully on Monday, February 8, 2016, with his family by his side as he claimed an eternal victory over cancer.

Bob was born November 28, 1929, to Michael and Irene (Todd) Tandeski in Winona, Minn. After graduation from Winona High, he changed his name from Tandeski to Brown, taking on his stepfather, Roy Brown’s last name. Bob entered the Air Force and served in Alaska as a radio operator from 1948-1952 during the Korean War. After returning home from the service, Bob trained to be an optician and worked in that field for over 30 years for Dr. Charles Vaslow and Optical Fashions in La Crosse.

On November 23, 1977, Bob married the love of his life, Grace (Stephans) Osley, and they enjoyed 38 years together. He retired in 1991. In his retirement, he continued to work, serving the Lord at the Temple Baptist Church as a Trustee and Financial Secretary, Sunday morning bus driver, worship singer, and handyman. He was also active with the La Crosse Riders Touring Motorcycle Club, enjoying weekly breakfast rides until just before his 86th birthday.

Bob had a passion for motorcycles, the Packers, stock car races, and most of all – his family. He was actively involved in the lives of all his children and grandchildren, attending an incredible number of games and special events – never limited by the time and travel involved. If something was broken or needed service Bob had all the tools and talents to do the job. In addition to keeping his family’s possessions in good repair, he also had a steady stream of friends that would rely on him for a helping hand.

One of the major highlights during Bob’s final years was being able to attend the Freedom Honor Flight to Washington DC. He was a patriotic man, proud of his country and his opportunity to serve her. Bob was a long-time member of American Legion Post 336 of Onalaska.

Surviving are his wife, Grace Brown of Onalaska; son, Jeff Brown of Chicago, Ill.; son, Scott (Kim) Brown of McFarland, Wis.; step-children, Mark Osley of Plano, Texas and Jane (Clayton) Morrison of Jefferson, WI; sixteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren with three more great-grandchildren on the way. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and stepfather.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, February 13, at the Temple Baptist Church, 1326 N Salem Rd., La Crosse. Pastor Daniel Habegger and Pastor Andrew Buhrow will officiate. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in the Chapel of Devotion Mausoleum in Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Gundersen Health System Hospice, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, or Temple Baptist Church.