Obituary of Robert Allen Rogneby

Robert Allen Rogneby, age 84 of Jefferson has begun his greatest adventure, eternal life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bob passed away October 24, 2023 at his home.

He was born January 21, 1939 in Cochrane, Wisconsin to Hawkin and Elfa (Korb) Rogneby. During his high school years, one of his most memorable moments was only losing two games during his entire high school baseball career. This is where he earned his nickname “Rupe”. Bob graduated in 1956 from Cochrane – Fountain City School. He attended UW Madison after High School. He suited as a freshman at UW Madison in basketball for 1 year, transferred to Winona State and graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Science. He and Bette were high school sweethearts and were married on January 21, 1960 in Cochrane, Wisconsin.

They had four children, Kimberly (Mark) Romness of Hudson, Steven (Darcie) Rogneby of Fort Atkinson, Lisa Kay (David) Madison of Jefferson, Wendy (Scott) Arnett of Watertown. They then moved to Mountain Lake, MN where he taught three years and coached the track team of which he took them to state two consecutive years.

He then moved to Jefferson, Wisconsin and taught Science for 35 years. He was known by many of his students as “Chemical Bob”. He coached freshman basketball for many years and enjoyed umpiring and refereeing for many years. He enjoyed playing baseball in the summers with the Helenville Rebels and city league basketball with his closest friends and former students. His greatest joy in life, was spending time with his children and grandchildren. He and Bette enjoyed traveling out west visiting family and friends. They also spent much time at their cabin in Buffalo City and boating on the Mississippi River. He also loved to spend time playing Euchre with Lenny, Buck, Gus, and Monk. He greatly enjoyed spending time with a dear family friend, Joy Fisher and his wonderful neighbors, Lois, Ruby, June and Karen who always brought him sweet treats.

Bob is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Hannah Romness (Howie), Luke Romness, Brandon (Audra) Rogneby, Nicholas (Leah) Rogneby, Kylie Rogneby, Elliott Madison, Austen Madison, Tyler Madison, Cory Arnett, Zach Arnett; 7 great-grandchildren, Logan Pulgarin, Harper and Hawkin Rogneby, Jonas Rogneby, Mackenzie and Madison Arnett, Sayler Arnett; siblings Glenn Rogneby, Galesville, WI and Genevieve, Streamwood, IL and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Bette, parents Hawkin and Elfa, siblings Roger, Connie, Florence and Jim.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 12:00 pm at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jefferson with Rev. Joshua Martin presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00 am until time of service. Burial will take place at a later date at the Buffalo City Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to Rainbow Hospice. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all those who helped make Bob’s final journey as easy as possible, including Rainbow Hospice, Stacy (special care taker) neighbors and friends.