Robert Grander

Robert C. “Bob” La Grander, 86, of Chippewa Falls, town of Lafayette, died Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Chippewa Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation, Chippewa Falls.

He was born September 22, 1930 in Milwaukee to Genevieve (Strup) and George La Grander. He grew up in Chili, Wisconsin, where he attended school.

Bob served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1947-49. Once discharged from the military, he went to work in a cheese factory in Marshfield. While living in Marshfield, he met Caroline “Carol” Weinfurter at a local dance. The two married on April 22, 1953 in Marshfield.

In 1973, they moved to Chippewa Falls, where Bob was the superintendent of Marigold Foods. In 1979, they started La Grander’s Drive In & Ice Cream in the town of Lafayette, which they have owned and operated since.

Bob enjoyed being a Boy Scout leader for many years; downhill skiing; hunting; and growing and selling Christmas trees. If Carol couldn’t find him, he was surely out spending time in his trees.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 64 years, Carol of Chippewa Falls; a daughter, Genevieve “Gen” (Randy) Schultz of Fredonia; a daughter-in-law, Kathie La Grander of Casa Grande, AZ; four grandchildren, Jake and Holly La Grander, Katie and Josh Schultz; a brother, Dan (Lorraine) La Grander of Marshfield; and sisters-in-law, Judy La Grander of Spring Valley, Linda Weinfurter of Auburndale.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronny La Grander; brother-in-law, Robert Weinfurter; and his son, Jack La Grander.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 16 at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls with the Rev. Robert B. Hoekstra, chaplain of the Chippewa Manor, officiating. Interment will follow at Bateman Cemetery, town of Lafayette.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Saturday morning at the funeral chapel.