Robert Charles “Bob” Gjertson

Robert Charles “Bob” Gjertson of Port Washington, Wis., passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the age of 86.

He was the firstborn son of George and Dorothy (Holland) Gjertson of Fond du Lac, Wis.    

Bob was united in marriage to Carol (Farrey) on May 22, 1965, in Sheboygan, Wis., and together they raised two daughters.

Bob graduated from Goodrich High School in 1957.

He was destined for engineering, preferring his erector set and science over sports as a young man. He fulfilled his dream by attending the Milwaukee School of Engineering, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Most of Bob’s professional career was spent employed at Kohler Co., where he worked in the plumbing division. His biggest achievement was his work on “The Herman,” which continued production long after he retired.

Bob had a knack for science, was unbeatable in Trivial Pursuit and could fix anything. He was never quick to finish a project, but his work was always impeccable.   

When Bob was not working on a project, he enjoyed playing cards, golfing, gardening and traveling out West and to other destinations. Bob loved the annual summer trip going “up north” to spend time at Upper Buckatabon Lake with his family. Bob’s greatest joy was quality time with family.  He was also the proud eldest of eight siblings. Anyone who knew Bob knows he enjoyed sharing extremely detailed stories.

Bob’s memory will be forever cherished by his children Christine (Thomas) Shanahan of Oconomowoc, Wis., and Lynn (William) Matzke of Sobieski, Wis.; granddaughters Megan Shanahan of Orlando, Fla., and Nicole Shanahan of Lincoln Park, Ill.; siblings Mary Zwicker, Kathleen (Robert) Crouch, David (Sue) Gjertson and Gary (Mary) Gjertson; and his niece and godchild Bethany (Scott) Perry, with whom Bob enjoyed a close relationship.       

He was preceded in death by his beloved bride Carol, parents George and Dorothy Gjertson, his sister Barbara Robertson, brother Richard Gjertson, sister Susie Reader and nephew Joel Crouch.

Visitation will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a memorial service at Zacherl Funeral Home, 875 E. Division St. in Fond du Lac, WI 54935, on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Bob will be entombed at the Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum, 686 Fond du Lac Ave., Fond du Lac, WI 54935, following the service.    

Bob’s family would like to extend a warm thank you to Becky from Home Instead of Cedarburg for making it possible for dad to stay in his home and to the ICU and first floor nurses of Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay. Your dignified care of our dad in his final weeks brought great comfort to Bob and his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, please offer a donation to the Wisconsin Humane Society (Bob had a soft spot for animals) or you can contribute to the memorial his family will arrange.        

Zacherl Funeral Home of Fond du Lac is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.zacherlfuneralhome.com.