Obituary for Robert “Bob” W. Champion Robert W. “Bob” Champion, 72, of Beloit, WI, died Wednesday, May 9, 2018 in his home, after a long battle with cancer. He was born March 1, 1946 on his grandparents’ farm and on his grandma’s 50th Birthday, in Pine Island, Minnesota. The oldest of nine siblings, born to William and Alice (Emholtz) Champion.
Bob spent most of his childhood playing sports and working to help support his family. He attended Beloit Memorial High School, Class of 1964. After high school he took a job with Wisconsin Telephone and later joined the United States Navy.
In 1966 he married Lynda Garofolo. After his active Naval Duty, he went back to work for Wisconsin Telephone, where he worked for 37 years, retiring in 2002. He later was employed by North American Tool and Glen Erin Golf Course.
Bob was always active in everything his boys did, from being the OLA Cub Master, Softball Coach, Fundraiser extraordinaire for several organizations to taking them fishing and teaching them all about life. That tradition he carried on with his three grandsons who he was most proud of. He was a longtime member of the Beloit Noon Lion’s Club, receiving the prestigious Melvin Jones Award.
He was also a transporter of eye tissue for the club. Bob was a member of the Telephone Pioneers, Rock River Valley Volunteers and many other charitable organizations. His favorite of all was Fishing Has No Boundaries.
For 30 years he took people with disabilities fishing in Hayward, Wisconsin and introduced countless volunteers to this great event. He was one of the founders of the Greater Beloit Special Olympics / Fishing Has No Boundaries Chili Cook-Off. After retirement if he wasn’t busy with his family you could find him on the golf course playing anywhere from 18 to 36 holes a day.
If the sun was shining he was golfing. Bob is survived by his wife Lynda, son Robb Champion, grandson Bobby, son Todd (Julie) Champion their boys Mike and Sam; brothers and sisters, Roady (Nancy) Champion, Richard Champion, Wendy (Rick) Lee, Kay (William) Duarte, Lori (Dennis) Katterhenry and Kari Champion ; sisters-in-law, Colleen Champion and Gina (Gary) Fry; brothers-in-law, Brad Davies and Tom (Jean) Garofolo; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Bill, sister Barbara Davies and brother-in-law Sammy Garofolo.
A special thank you to Agrace Hospice for the care that was given to Bob. An open house will be held in Bob’s honor from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at the Glen Erin Golf Club, 1417 W. Airport Road Janesville, WI, with a service of remembrance at 3 p.m. Reverend Gene Van Galder will officiate. Those wishing to play a round of golf in Bob’s honor can make Tee times between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. for a special rate.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name to Fishing Has No Boundaries Hayward Chapter. Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 MAY 23. 02:00 PM – 06:00 PM Glen Erin Golf Course 1417 W. Airport Road Janesville, WI, US, 53546 Memorial service 2018 MAY 23.
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