Robert Davenport

Robert Wheeler Davenport, 99, of Madison, passed away on November 23, 2021. A very kind and generous person, he loved dancing, eating ice cream, golfing, collecting cars, and was committed to personal growth and watching the weather. He was raised in Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. by his parents William and Pearl Davenport.

Bob attended Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, and graduated with a mechanical engineering degree in 1948. He served in WW II with the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician. In 1954 he married Ruth Leary and they settled in Clark, NJ, raising four children and providing a wonderful family home full of love and joy. In 1968 the family relocated to Wisconsin. Bob worked as a mechanical engineer for close to four decades at Hercules Powder Company, Pabst Brewing Company, and as Executive Director of WSPE.

Shortly after the loss of Ruth in 2000, Bob met Carol Milanich. They enjoyed traveling, dancing, and splitting their time between their rustic cabin on the Pecatonica River and downtown Madison. They were life partners for nearly 20 years with Carol becoming his devoted caregiver for a number of those years.

Bob is survived by his sister Dorothy Dressel, four children, Brian (Odessa) Davenport, Jeffrey Davenport, Nancy (Tony Sis) Davenport-Sis, and Virginia (Keith) Wick; seven grandchildren, Jason (Mackenzie Merrill) Wick, Suede Davenport, Antoinette (Nels Degn) Kendall-Degn, Daniel (Amanda Larson) Wick, Christian (Lynnae) Sis, Alysha (Harley) Peterson, and Eli Milanich; seven great-grandchildren, Colton Wick, Ivy Wick, Cecilia Sis, Maia Wick, Mila Peterson, Dominique Degn, and LeRoy Degn.  He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, his partner Carol and his two sisters, Alice and Louise.

The family is grateful for the care and kindness showed to Bob by Kira Milanich, Capital Lakes Terraces, and Agrace Hospice. A private memorial will take place to cherish the memories and honor Bob.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434