Robert A. Cox

Robert A. Cox, 85, of La Crosse, WI passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, with music and his family at his side. Robert, fondly known as Bob, was born to Edwin and Mildred (Reed) Cox in Alton, IL on August 20, 1939. He married the love of his life, Margaret Kodros in Alton, IL on August 5, 1960, and together they had two loving daughters, Michelle and Cynthia. Bob joined the Army Corps of Engineers on January 2, 1962, serving two years before being honorably discharged at Fort Belvoir, Viriginia. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla), and enjoyed a celebrated career as an engineer and manager at Trane Co. in La Crosse before retiring after 37 years.

Bob was a lover of blues music, with a resonating voice that made him a natural bass singer. He shared his enthusiasm for boating and hunting with his family and friends during countless trips along the Mississippi river. Bob loved classic cars – a passion that he shared with his wife on their car show adventures around the Great Lakes. He was a member of the Pi Tau Sigma mechanical engineering fraternity, Kiwanis International, The Moose, and the VMCCA car club. He was also a long-time member at the 1st Presbyterian Church in La Crosse and more recently, North Presbyterian Church.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Margaret; daughters, Michelle (Steve) Russ and Cynthia (Joe) Zemanovic; grandchildren, Arianna Russ, Robert Russ, Savannah (Andrew) Meixsell, Elizabeth Russ, Joseph Zemanovic, Theresa Russ, and Wade Zemanovic; niece, Valerie Cox; sister-in-law, Cynthia Garvey; brother-in-law, Gus Kodros; along with many more cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Mildred (Reed) Cox; brother and sister-in-law, Reed (LaVerna) Cox; nephew, Clark Cox; stepmother, Eileene Cox; brother and sister-in-law, John (Jane) Kodros, and brother-in-law Jerry Garvey.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Services in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton, IL with visitation there beginning at 10:00 am. Committal services will follow at Valhalla Cemetery in Godfrey, IL. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob's honor to a charity of your choice.