Robert P. Hovde

Robert P. Hovde of Plum City died at Sacred Heart Hospital on Tuesday, November 24.
Bob was born on March 23, 1931 to Robert Hovde, Sr. and Evelyn Wiskerchen in Rock Elm, WI. His mother Evelyn died in childbirth the same day. He was raised by his maternal grandparents John and Molly Wiskerchen.
Bob graduated from Plum City High School in 1949. He married Ruthann Newberg on September 5, 1950 at the St. John’s Rectory. They had three sons; Steve, Doug, and Mike.
Bob started his career as a milk hauler, then worked at the Red Wing Tannery before buying Johnson’s Store and combined that with driving a school bus. Bob and Ruthann operated Hovde’s Store for 32 years before retiring in 2001. Bob drove a bus for the Plum City School system for 53 years before retiring in December 2011.
Bob enjoyed watching his sons play sports, deer hunting with the One Shot Gang which included Bernard Coulson and Miles Hoffman, and spending time at Mike’s farm where Bob, Steve, and Mike raised Herefords.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 5 from 1 pm to 4 pm at Molly’s restaurant in Plum City. A private graveside service will be held at the Union cemetery in Plum City with Rev. Dan Richardson officiating at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Plum City Library, the Plum City Snowmobile Club, or the Plum City Educational Foundation. The Cremation Society of Wisconsin is assisting the family.
Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.