Robert Paterson Abbott (Rob, Bob or Papa)

Rob’s greatest loves were his family (including pets), travel, photography and most of all putting a smile on people’s faces.  The kids will remember the many camping trips, snowmobiling to Old Faithful, float trips on the Gallatin River and trips to Disney.  The grandkids will remember the Grandma/Grandpa day trip adventures around the state, feeding the birds in winter, trips to Disney and special camping trips out west.  He loved taking the girls shoe shopping and the grandsons to see trains.  From the time the kids were little to current family gatherings, a favorite family event is to always have a tea party, “Pinkie Up”.   One of his greatest blessings was having the family close and being a part of their childhood into adulthood.

After retiring, Barb and Rob spent years traveling or camping around the country, seeing Europe and camping winters in Florida. Wherever he went, he had his camera (and bucket hat) along and would stop to make friends or share a joke.  Many trips were to the National Parks or nature preserves.  He always carried a box of some of his pictures, which he would handout to kids he met along the way.

Most people remember him for his friendliness and humor.  Barb and daughter, Mandy knew if they went into a store, they would end up waiting for him as he again made a new friend. He was never embarrassed being silly.  Mandy or the granddaughters never knew when he would start acting and talking like Julia Childs in the grocery store or put on a silly hat.

He was a very versatile man with several careers and hobbies.  His wife called Rob, her renaissance man.  He and Barb built or remodeled almost all the homes they owned.  He could do almost any construction job, electrical, plumbing and more.  He passed on the skills/love of construction and car maintenance to his sons.  He was also a great cook and spent many afternoons cooking with the kids or grandkids.  The family had numerous pets over the years, but Rob’s special buddy has been his cat of 17 years, Hiccup.

Papa Bob is survived by his wife, of 53 years, Barb, children; Mike, John and Mandy (Alex Looby) Abbott, 6 grandchildren; Connor Johnson, Gabby (Caleb) Abbott, Keira Abbott, Adam Abbott, Emmie Looby and Augie Looby and 2 great granddaughters.  He is also survived by his sister Carol (Bob) Pinney, brother John Abbott and many numerous relatives.

Rob was born August 13, 1949, to Marshal Eugene Abbott and Bernadine Pearl McFarland in Washington, Illinois. He graduated from Washington High School, in Washington, Il and completed a BS in metallurgical engineering from University of Illinois, Urbana.  He married Barbara J Creager on August 18, 1973, at Sunnyland Christian Church.  He and Barb lived in Decatur IL, where he worked for Wagner Castings Foundry.  In 1981, the couple and their son, Michael (age 6 mon.) moved to Bozeman, MT where he opened a professional portrait studio, Images by Abbott.  There the couple had a second son, John (1984) and adopted their daughter, Amanda (1988).  After closing his studio in 1994, he went to work for the Ross Perot campaign and worked directly under Mr. Perot. He went around the country helping qualify Mr. Perot for the Presidential election.  In 1997, the family moved to Onalaska, WI to be closer to family.  He worked at various metal manufacturing companies including PaCal Industries, where his sons worked alongside him.  Later, he got his license for welding inspection, including nuclear inspections.  In 2013, he went to plants in the southern US making parts for nuclear power plants. He retired in 2016.  He passed away Sunday, July 5, 2026, after an 11-month battle with ALS.

He will be cremated wearing a bucket hat, his favorite Papa shirt and some of his photos.  There will not be a service, but the family will have a private gathering.  We ask that all memorials go to his team “Papa Bob’s Peeps” for the La Crosse Walk to Defeat ALS. October 10, 2026.  We hope many of you will join us at the walk and celebrate his life.  Please come dressed like Papa: bucket hat, jean or Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and a camera.

To Papa: We hope you’ll finally be able to relax behind your camera and capture Heaven’s beauty, the same way you always captured life on Earth.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.