Robert ""Bob"" J. Sandberg

Robert J. ""Bob"" Sandberg, age 73, died peacefully in his sleep at home on Thursday, February 17, 2011.   He was born May 15, 1937 the son of William and Esther (Treptrow) Sandberg in Menominee Michigan.   Bob was a 1955 graduate of Marinette High School, and later received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1963, and his Masters in 1964. He entered the US Army in 1960, but had to take a family leave when his father became ill.   Bob was united in marriage to Judith Piltz on October 8, 1960 in Madison.   He was employed at the UW College of Engineering as shops supervisor until his retirement in 1990, when he earned Emeritus Status.   During his distinguished career with the University of Wisconsin, Bob had special assignments in Surabaya, Indonesia, and was awarded the Bollinger Academic Award for Distinguished Service in 1992.   His career also was highlighted with numerous designs that were patented.    His expertise in design was also beautifully shown in the home that he designed and built with Judy not only once, but twice after lightning struck the first home, and it was destroyed by fire.   Bob was an avid hunter, and enjoyed annual hunting trips with friends.   He also enjoyed perennial gardening, and enjoyed finding new and interesting varieties to grow.   Even greater than the love of design was the love that he had for his wife Judy.   Bob and Judy traveled extensively worldwide, and had enjoyed 50 years of marriage, that was recently celebrated with a Hawaiian Cruise.  Bob is survived by his wife Judy, sister; Janet (Jack) Rider of Stillwater Michigan, sister-in-law; Cyndy Sandberg of Beaver Dam, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.   He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother; William.   A memorial gathering honoring Bob's life will be held from 4 until 7pm on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Rd., Madison, WI   53705.   In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Bob's name to The Smile Train, P.O. Box 96231 Washington, DC   20090, or the Dane County Humane Society, 5132 Voges Rd., Madison, WI   53718.