Robert R. Strauser

Robert Ross Strauser, 86, died August 27, 2024, of natural causes.

 Born in Chicago, Illinois, on April 6, 1938, to Emory Ross and Bina Jacobs Strauser, Robert moved to Neenah, Wisconsin, as a child. He graduated from Neenah High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a degree in psychology and, more importantly, met his future wife, Judith “Judy” Anne Ketchum. 

 Not long after their blind first date, Robert and Judy married on June 29, 1963. They remained inseparable for the next 61 years. As a couple, they enjoyed anything that allowed them to spend time together, especially attending The Fireside Theatre, Friday fish fries, Sunday brunch, and making their annual pilgrimage to Florida. 

 Robert worked as a labor relations analyst for the City of Madison. In his off time, he cared for his home of 53 years, including by curating and displaying award-winning Christmas decorations, and cultivated his hobbies—ham radio, photography, and collecting classical records. At his and Judy’s cabin in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin, Robert loved to fish, boat, and actively participate in the Lion’s Club and church.

 Robert eagerly embraced computer technology and used it to produce an annual Christmas card that kept Judy and him connected to friends and family scattered around the country. That same curiosity and quest to learn new things led Robert to take online science classes after he retired. Yet, in the end, these hobbies took a back seat to his love for and devotion to Judy.

 Robert is survived by Judy; his son, David Ross (Mary Chryst); grandsons Matthew Ross (Jessica), David, and John; and great-granddaughters, Sophie Ross and Mia.

 A visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, Wisconsin, before a private burial ceremony at Sunset Memory Garden in Madison, Wisconsin.

 Robert’s family extends a warm thank you to the entire Middleton Heritage Senior Living staff and community, especially Megan, Kristina, and Stephanie, for the care they provided Robert and still provide for Judy. 

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434