Dr. Robert E. Arthur (Bob), age 84, of La Crosse passed away with family at his side on August 9, 2018. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joyce Moore Arthur, and children Sarah Arthur, La Crosse, and Bruce (Carrie) and their daughters, Olivia and Amelia, Palo Alto, CA.

Bob was born on May 6, 1934, grew up in Massachusetts, living in Arlington, Clinton and Leominster. He graduated from Leominster High School, later receiving a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA, in 1957. Following three years in the U.S. Army, he enrolled at Springfield College, Springfield, MA, where he earned a master’s degree with a specialty in counseling psychology after which he returned to the University of Massachusetts, where he worked in the Dean of Students Office.

He met Joyce Moore in Worcester, MA. Educational and work venues changed and four years later they married in 1964. That fall, they loaded a VW van and headed south to Knoxville, TN, where they both pursued doctoral degrees. After finishing doctoral studies at the University of Tennessee in 1969, Bob accepted a position at the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse where he would become the Director of the School Psychology graduate program. He taught in the psychology department until his retirement in 1997.

He never forgot his New England roots, and where the family spent time each summer and ocean shores sea breezes and fresh seafood replenished his soul.

Gathering his students current and past annually at “Roundtable Gatherings” nourished his love of what he was doing throughout WI, MN, IA, and beyond. He was passionate about education and its role in promoting broad opportunities for all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Worthen R. Arthur and Helen (Moore) Arthur as well as his brother, Richard Arthur, and sister, Ann Gallagher.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at First Congregational UCC, 2503 Main St., La Crosse, on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 11am. Visitation with the family will be from 10am to the start of the service and again after the service.

A more complete obituary and online condolences can be viewed at www.couleecremation.com.  Coulee Cremation Group is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Dr. Robert E. Arthur Scholarship, UW-L Foundation, P.O. Box 1148, La Crosse, WI 54602; or to the First Congregational Church or the La Crosse Library.