Robert C. Woodburn

Robert “Bob” C. Woodburn, 81, of Sparta, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Mayo Clinic Health System, La Crosse, after a two month battle from an accidental fall and complications from the fall. He took his final breath with his loving family by his side. He was born on November 5, 1940 in Moline, IL to Bessie (Nitz) and Rodger Woodburn. At the time of his accident, Bob was on his way to surprise many family members.

Bob was a caring generous inclusive man. He loved nothing more than to have a home filled with friends and family. He believed in a united world inclusive of all people. He had a passion for politics, books, and children. His favorite book was autographed by Jimmy Carter and never passed up a chance to tell people that his granddaughter Christina was a distant relative of Jimmy.

Bob was a career soldier, serving two tours in Vietnam. He loved gardening, being outdoors, cooking and baking. His laughter and presence will be missed by all that loved and cherished him.

The country lost a soldier. There won’t be any bands playing or parades. But the world will be a little sadder place because we not only lost a loving, caring husband, dad, and grandfather, we also lost one of the kindest friends any person could ask for.

Bob believed in individual rights but he believed we should not infringe on others rights. So if it is your belief that its your right not to be vaccinated for Covid, please wear a mask to protect others.

Bob is survived by his wife, Peggy (Sponsky) Woodburn; son, Norbert (Lisa) Woodburn; daughters, Diane (Mark) Lynes, Caroline Grassechi, Sonya (Lee) Amos, and Monique Zaldivar; grandchildren, Stephanie Smith, Melissa (Glenn) Hill, Britanny (Daniel) Mitchell, Krissann Grassechi, Sarah Grassechi, Christopher (Ashley) Zaldivar, Christina Lynes, Ashley Woodburn, Enrique Amos, Stella Bean LaRock; great grandchildren, Edison, Aubrey, Xavior, Grayson, Jaxin and Brooks; brother, Bruce (Judy) Woodburn; brother-in-law, James (Janet) Sponsky; sisters-in-law, Carol Sponsky, Sonia (Frank) Reidelbach, and Lana Hochsteder; special friends, Janet Sterken, Trinity, Nolan, and Izzy, and Debbie and Ron Watson; and many dear friends, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Bernard M. Sponsky; mother-in-law, Evelyn (Dickson) Sponsky; brother, William Woodburn; brother-in-law, Charles “Chuck” Sponsky from Covid before vaccines; Cynthia (Sponsky) Hale (whom he donated with love of a special niece his kidney); infant, Michael Sponsky; and former wife, Rose Marie –beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of their children.

Rest in peace Robert (Bob) Woodburn, SGM retired. Quote from Jimmy Carter, “My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can with whatever I have to try and make a difference.” Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.

There will be a private service at Bob’s request due to Covid. A celebration of Bob’s life is being planned for the summer. If you wish, memorials may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 322 N. Water Street, Sparta, WI  54656 or any memorial of your choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert C. Woodburn, please visit our floral store.