Obituary
Robert (Bob) John Midland
Robert (Bob) John Midland passed away at Gundersen Health System on August 6, 2023. Bob
was born on June 13, 1946, in Chicago, IL to Robert (Bob) Midland and Beverly (Bev) Barka
Midland. He graduated from Glenbard East High School, Lombard, IL in 1964. Bob attended the
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse where he earned a BA in Recreation Administration.
Bob worked at St. Michael’s Home for Children in La Crosse, WI from 1965 until closing in 1982.
While working at St Michael’s Bob met Diane Koopmann and they married on August 10, 1974,
in La Crosse. Bob and Diane have one son, Joshua Robert Midland (Heather Rheingans) of
Fridley, MN.
After working at St Michael’s, Bob and his friend, Craig, spent the summer as “commercial
fishermen” on the Mississippi River. The pay wasn’t great but they had fun. Bob tried his hand
at selling institutional foods and decided he wasn’t meant to be a salesman. He found his niche
buying, renovating, selling and renting real estate.
Bob enjoyed golfing, hunting and fishing. He especially looked forward to fishing trips near
Hayward, WI and Canada. In his later years Bob brought the fishing boat of his dreams and
spent many summer days on the Mississippi River.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Tom; and his brother, Jim. He is survived
by his wife, Diane; his son, Josh; his brother, Jack (Annette) of Valley Center, CA; and many
nieces and nephews.
Bob’s family would like to thank the staff of Gundersen Hospice for their outstanding
dedication, compassion and sensitivity during Bob’s last months with metastatic cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gundersen Health System Hospice, Boys and
Girls Clubs of LaCrosse, or English Lutheran Church.
A memorial service will be held on August 25, 2023, at English Lutheran Church, 1509 King
Street, LaCrosse, WI 54601. Visitation will begin at 10:00 until the time of the service at 11:00.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.
Diane & Jack & family. We loved the occasions we enjoyed with Bob , (and the Midland clan). His dry sense of humor always made the day. May he rest in peace with his brothers & Mom and Dad. God bless.
Bob & Sharon Dobias & family.
Bob, Dianne, and Josh are like family. We have now lost a family member. RIP Bob.
I worked, hunted, fished and we helped each other with many projects. He was more than a friend to me for over 55 years. I will always miss him.
So very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.
I was always sorry my cousins in Illinois lived so far away. I envied family reunions filled with all the family. Grandma Barka kept us informed of all the news when she was alive.
I hope you have sweet memories Bob and take comfort in God.
Again so sorry.
Dick and I are so sorry for your loss. We both worked with Bob at St Mikes and have warm memories of him. Our thoughts are with you.
Barb Hyde Stohl
Dick Stohl
Diane and Josh,
We will treasure our many memories of Bob…..the St. Michael’s days, the fishing trips, the host of many parties and our beloved friend.
Our sincerest and heartfelt sympathy to you both.
Dennis and Barbara Jochman
I am Ralph Wright, and I’ve known Bob Midland for 40 years. A man could not ask for a better friend. He truly was a kind man he cared about everyone I am blessed to know him.
Diane—we just heard about Bob. So very sorry for your loss. Many, many memories from a long time ago.
Louise Sedevie-Lawrynk
Pat Lawrynk