Robert "Bob" Fleiner

Robert “Bob” Fleiner, devoted husband, father and grandfather departed this world peacefully on February 21, 2025. He was born at home on January 19, 1940 to William and Anna Fleiner in Waunakee, where he lived all his life. He grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work, resourcefulness, and community.

From an early age, Bob had a knack for mechanics, starting with oil changes at a local shop, later fixing up vehicles, including a 1950’s Chevy truck that became a well-known project among family and friends. Bob built things, painted and performed general construction. He would realize his dream and build the family home. Whether it was a car, a cabinet, or piece of farm equipment, he could fix, recycle, or refinish just about anything. His curiosity for how things worked was endless, dabbling in projects to the end.

Bob played football in High School, and after graduation met the love of his life, Mary Ann. They started and raised their family in Waunakee. Bob carried the same determination to serve in the United States Army Reserve. He had a love for the open road, making memorable treks by car or bicycle, often shared with family. He was a devoted Badger and Packer fan!

Bob had a long career with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, where he started as a mail clerk and then took a position learning a new technology they were not sure would last, called “data processing”. He started at the ground level of what would change the world and how business and people interact, all without a degree. He was a master mechanic of computer hardware.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann (Hrubes), brothers Al (Jan), Bill (Judy), and Romain Fleiner, sisters Marian (Matt) Adler, Alma Fleiner and Doreen Fleiner. He is survived by his four children, Shelly Fleiner, Laura (Mark) Reinig, Mike (Nicole) Fleiner, and Randy (Virgina) Fleiner. He was loved and adored by his four grandchildren, Kera Reinig, Hannah, Zachary and Madison Fleiner.

Our dad, grandpa, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend will be dearly missed and remembered for his mechanical skills, craftsmanship, and willingness to help family, friends, and neighbors.

A Prayer Service will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church, followed by Military Rites at Waunakee Cemetery on July 19, 2025. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family will be establishing a memorial with the Carbone Cancer Center.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI