Robert W. Rehbein (aka “Big City Bob”), age 85, of Medford, Wisconsin, went to his eternal home in Heaven on June 25, 2026, at Our House Senior Living, where he resided for the past two years.

 

Bob was born in Medford, on July 3, 1940, to Carl and Bertha (Krueger) Rehbein. He was the second of six children and graduated from Medford Senior High School in 1958.

 

On January 30, 1960, Bob married Kathleen Schillinger. Together they were blessed with six children. Although they later divorced, they remained good friends and continued to share great love and respect for one another.

 

Bob spent more than 50 years working for Weather Shield Mfg., delivering windows and doors throughout many states before retiring. Through his travels with his job, he met countless people and formed many lasting friendships. Bob was outgoing, friendly, and always had a story to share. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went, and many people in Medford knew they would be in for a good conversation (and possibly long!) if they ran into him. He was known for his smile, his kind words, and his big heart.

 

After retiring, Bob continued to give his time generously and enjoyed helping others, whether it was taking someone to an appointment, picking up grandchildren from school or going to the grocery store for someone. He loved to cook, especially grilling, and could prepare just about anything. Like his father, Bob loved to hunt and fish. Sometimes he would even take all six kids fishing. The first time he attempted ice fishing with them, one of the kids accidentally stepped into a fishing hole shortly after arriving. That trip ended quickly, and we’re quite sure he didn’t try that again!

 

Bob enjoyed watching NASCAR, with Dale Earnhardt being his favorite driver. After Dale Earnhardt’s passing, Bob wore a #3 necklace in his honor… even though daughter #3 was convinced it was because she was his favorite!

 

Faith was an important part of Bob’s life. He was a devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and found great comfort, fellowship, and community there. He rarely missed a week of worship services.

 

Bob loved his children and was very proud of them, often sharing stories about them with others. He especially treasured time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved when the little ones came to visit. Family time was among his greatest joys.

 

He also enjoyed watching Clint Eastwood and John Wayne movies, along with other old westerns. He was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Milwaukee Bucks, and he loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and Medford High School football games.

 

Although dementia gradually took away many of Bob’s memories and changed the man his loved ones knew, he is now at peace, and the light of his true self will be restored once more. His family will forever remember the love he gave so freely to everyone around him.

 

He is survived by his six children, Darla (Bill) Keefer of Medford, Laurie Rehbein of Weston, Jayne (Rob) Flink of Marshfield, Kari Rehbein of Weston, James (Laurie) Rehbein, Kristy (Charlie) Motte, all of Medford; former wife, Kathleen Rehbein of Medford; siblings, Karleen Stillman of Black Creek, Jan Staples of Medford, Susie Dost of Baraboo; sisters-in-law, Debbie Schillinger, Debra Schillinger, Delores Habeck and Carol Schillinger; brother-in-law, William Schillinger; grandchildren, Jason Keefer, Sarah Keefer, Jessica (Jeff) Jones, Matthew Keefer, Zac (Sara Borchardt) Jones, Holly (Tony Seehafer) Eberhardy, Dakota (Mariah Purkis) Flink, Katie (Dalton Strebig) Rehbein, Eric Rehbein, Alex Rehbein, and MaKayla (Austin Waldhart) Motte; great-grandchildren, Kinsley Hamilton, Easton Strebig, Bennet, Ellie, Mia, and Cecilia Borchardt, and Luxton Jones; and many nieces, nephews and numerous friends and those whose lives he touched through his kindness, humor, generosity, and friendship.

 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bertha Rehbein; brothers James and Richard Rehbein; mother-in-law Evelyn Schillinger; father-in-law Ferdinand Schillinger; and many other beloved family members, including William Staples, William Dost, Everett Stillman, Nancy Rehbein, Ralph and Marge Schillinger, Robert and Donald Schillinger, Merle Habeck, Larry Engel, nephews Daniel “Woody” Staples, Douglas Hahn, and Joseph Schillinger, and niece Suzanne Wages.

 

Memorial services will be held Thursday, July 2, at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Daniel Iwinski officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Thursday, July 2, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Evergreen I Cemetery.

 

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at Our House Senior Living and Hope Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness during this difficult time.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to family for designation at a later date.

 

“How lucky we were to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

 

“To the world you are a dad, to our family you are the world.”

 

The service will be livestreamed and posted to the church YouTube page. Please go to YouTube and search ILS54451.