Robert G. Birrenkott

Ridgeway / Madison – Robert G. Birrenkott, age 84, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Bob was born on October 24, 1940, to Verner J. and Eleanore A. (Marking) Birrenkott of Cottage Grove, Wi. Bob loved that he grew up on a Farm, was named WI FFA (Future Farmer of America) “1958 Star Farmer”. He Graduated: Cottage Grove Grade School; Sun Prairie High School 1958 grad, and Mount Senario College. He married Rochelle A. Dischler on May 19, 1962. He will always be remembered for his friendly smile (email address: smilealways), warm greetings, patriotism, and dedication to Community/Church. He was honored to serve in the AF/WI Air Nat. Guard for 6 years (1960-1966) and be a vet on Badger Honor Flight. Bob was proud to serve on the City of Madison Police Dept. for 33 yrs: March 19, 1962, until retiring 1/31/1995. During that time, he served as Officer, Investigator, Trainer, SWAT Leader on the Emergency Response Team, and Police Supervisor (25 yrs.). During this time, he received numerous recognitions including 2 Community Service Awards, one from the City of Madison and the other from the Dane County Optimists. After retiring, Bob worked 10 years as a Carpenter for his son, Russ, who owns Birrenkott Construction & Maintenance. Bob volunteered with the Four Lakes (Now Glacier Edge) Council Boy Scouts since 1972, in numerous positions including Webelos Leader, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, O.A. Vigil member, Dist. and Council Training chairman, Roundtable Commissioner, Council Commissioner, Silver Fox coordinator, and Wood Badge Scoutmaster. He received many awards during this time including the highest award of Silver Beaver. His sons earned Eagle Scout and His daughter received her Gold Award in Girl Scouts. He was extremely proud of his family and loved them very much and his grandchildren could always bring a special twinkle to his eyes. He belonged to the Ridgeway American Legion Post 257 also the Knights of Columbus Ridgeway/Barneveld Council 10905 and receiving Council Knight of the Year in 2001 & 2019, Family of the year 2007 and Madison Diocesan Family of the Month September 2005 & Jan 2012, and was in 2010 awarded the highest award, Medallion Award by the State KC’s. He served in numerous positions in KC Council & was Grand Knight from July 2004-June 2008 then became District 52 Deputy July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2014. He is also member of 4th Degree; KC Assembly 2320, Twice Faithful Navigator, Honor Guard member etc, and Area10 Coordinator. Bob served on St. Bridget’s Parish Council from 2005 to 2008 & Chair of Merger in late 2000’s. Bob was one of the main volunteers in remodeling the Rectory, Church Basement & Kitchen at St. Bridget Catholic Church in Ridgeway, WI. His favorite past time was Square and Round Dancing and enjoying wildlife on their Country land. Bob wished to thank all his Relatives and friends who made life ENJOYABLE, especially at the end! Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2009 & Multiple Myeloma (Bone marrow Cancer) 2018. Bob’s survivors are his wife and best friend Rochelle, his three children, Roderick (Margaret) of Fitchburg, Russell (Dede) of Middleton and Roxanne (David) Aehl of Sauk City; five Grandchildren; Shane, Amanda, Jacob (Kaitlyn) Birrenkott, Brian Koehler and Alyssa Crain; his brothers-in-law; Robert (Alanna) Dischler and Kenneth (Bobette) Dischler; nieces; nephews and friends. He was preceded in death were his parents; his sister Ruth (Husband David) Pertzborn; his brother Reuben (wife Maggie) Birrenkott and in-laws Herbert & Armeta (Wilhelm) Dischler A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024 at ST. BRIDGET’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 803 Main Street, Ridgeway WI with Father Rob Butz and Father Peter Auer concelebrating. Military Graveside Rites will be accorded by Ridgeway American Legion Post No. 257 following Mass. A lunch will follow. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the GORGEN-McGINLEY & AYERS FUNERAL HOME 400 Grace Street, Dodgeville WI, where a Knights of Columbus Rosary Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m. on Saturday at the Church. Burial will be at the Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison on Monday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made for Prostate Cancer Research at UW Carbone Cancer Center.

Robert G. Birrenkott

October 24, 1940 - November 22, 2024