Robert W. Jones

Robert W. Jones, age 83 of Oconomowoc, died at home of pneumonia on June 23, 2017. Bob had successfully fought lung cancer since 2012--his cancer had been in remission for the past two years. Bob was born June 13, 1934 to Robert Tennyson Jones and Marion (Burton) Jones, in Rewey, WI. Bob maintained his childhood friendships throughout his life and remained rooted in the simple but strong values of his small-town upbringing. He was devoted to his family, active in his church, and conscientious in his work. Bob was a graduate of Platteville High School and the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. On March 2, 1957, he married Arlene Digman at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Platteville, WI. Bob was a member of St. Jerome Catholic Church in Oconomowoc for nearly 50 years, and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. When asked about his career, Bob often said he had the best job in the world. For 37 years he worked in various capacities for the corporate office of Ford Motor Company. He especially enjoyed traveling throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states to visit Ford Dealers. Bob knew nearly every back road and small town in Wisconsin, and developed many friendships with dealers and clients over the years. He became a connoisseur of rural cheese factories and supper clubs, and appreciated a good chocolate chip cookie. Bob's grandchildren like to quote the folksy phrases and sayings that Bob retained from childhood. Bob is survived by Arlene, his wife of 60 years, along with five children: Bob (Karen) of Oconomowoc; Bill of Minneapolis, MN; Lynn (Steve) Vale of Sun Prairie, WI; Jeff (Lynn) of Oconomowoc; and Jill (Steve) Jung of Ixonia, WI. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Rob (Lin Lin) Jones, Jack Jones, Patrick Vale, Rhys Jones, Eva Jones, Jacob Jung, and Jenna Jung. He is survived by brothers-in-law Gene (Jan) Digman and Bernie Digman of Platteville, WI; and sisters-in law Christine Jones of Winston-Salem, NC; Judy Brannon of Des Moines, IA; Rosemary Digman of Platteville, WI; and Kristine Digman of Dubuque, IA. Bob was preceded in death by his grandson Danny Jones, his parents, his brothers John W. Jones and Roger W. Jones, brothers-in-law Elmer Digman and Arnold Digman, and sisters-in-law Darlene Digman and Beverly Digman. A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will be held at St. Jerome Catholic Church (1001 South Silver Lake, Oconomowoc, WI) on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 1:30 pm. Family and friends may call upon the family starting at 11:30 am. Burial at St. Jerome Cemetery will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jerome Catholic Church or to the Lake Area Free Clinic.