Robert Aubey

Robert (Bob) Thaddeus Aubey, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2023, at the age of 92. Bob was born in Beaumont, Texas, on June 19, 1930, to parents Victor Dale Aubey and Etta Holt Aubey.

Bob enlisted in the US Navy in 1948 and took part in the Korean War aboard the aircraft carrier USS Leyte. Returning to Beaumont, he graduated from Lamar Technical College with a BBA in 1958. The GI Bill helped with his education; he attended Mexico City College where he obtained an MBA in 1960. Returning to the US he enrolled at UCLA, earning his PhD in Business Finance in 1964. After leaving UCLA, Bob was hired to work at the University of Arizona in Tucson. One year later he moved to a new position in the business school at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Being granted a Fullbright Fellowship he moved the family to teach in Mexico City for two years. After returning to the UW he started the international business program.

Bob retired from the UW Business School in 1994, being granted the position of UW Professor Emeritus. A UW professor for 38 years, Bob mentored countless students as they pursued their educational ambitions and was the business fraternity counselor for Delta Sigma PI for 20 years. One of his biggest loves was a series of annual international business school trips where both Bob and Graciela would lead young business school students on study abroad programs to England, France, Germany and the far East. Many students have stayed in contact with Bob and Graciela for years. The mentoring and impression he made on his students is widely known to be his legacy at the University of Wisconsin.

In 1959 Bob found the love of his life, Graciela Wood of Mexico City, after being set up by a college roommate. Two years later in 1961 they were married in an elaborate wedding at the cathedral in Coyoacán near central Mexico City. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 62 years and a loving father to their two children, Robert and George. He was also a dedicated grandfather to his four grandchildren, who brought him great joy, happiness and pride for many years. Bringing the love of education and learning to his grandchildren was very important. For over eight years, Papa and Ama enrolled the four grandkids in UW’s Grandparents University programs during the summer, enriching them with a two-day summer college experience on the campus and living in the student dorm rooms.

In addition to his professional and family life, Bob was an avid traveler. He enjoyed visiting new countries by plane, train, boat or car. He was able to visit every country in the Americas. With Graciela, they visited more than 40 other countries around the world. Always learning, experiencing different cultures, and trying their best to be wine connoisseurs.

Bob will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who remember him as a kind and gentle soul with a quick wit and a generous spirit. He is survived by his wife Graciela, sons Robert and George, daughter-in-law Lisa, grandsons Connor, Carson, Jack and Benjamin, his brother James M. and wife Ruth. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Victor Dale Aubey Jr, and Hez A. Aubey.

A Memorial Mass will be held on April 24, 2023, at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. 602 Everglade Dr, Madison, WI 53717. Visitation at 10:00 A.M. Service at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Marine Toys for Tots or the Salvation Army.

Streaming available at: https://www.youtube.com/c/StThomasAquinasChurchMadison