Robert L. McWilliams, age 94, of LaValle, formerly of Reedsburg, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025, on the family farm.  He was born on October 17, 1930, the oldest son of Harvey and Vera (Pugh) McWilliams. Bob attended grade school in LaValle and was a member of the Reedsburg High School Class of 1949. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard.

Bob drove a milk truck route for a few years following high school and married Arlene Downing on June 1, 1951.  This union was blessed with three daughters.  Arlene preceded him in death in 1982.

In 1954 Robert purchased a farm adjoining his parent’s farm in rural LaValle- a place he loved spending time throughout his life.  He enjoyed raising and milking Jersey cows and later raised beef cattle well into his 90’s.  Bob was the Constable for the Town of LaValle for many years and a patrolman on Lake Redstone. He also maintained his pilot’s license.  In his retirement, Bob helped to build the 400 Trail under the direction of the DNR, and worked on the transport team for the Sauk County Sherrif Department until he turned 90.

On April 19, 1986, Bob was united in marriage to Marie (Eastman) Krier in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Portage.  She preceded him in death in 1999.  He later married Delores (Fields) Luedtke on July 26, 2003.  She preceded him in death in 2022. 

Bob was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Reedsburg, the Reedsburg American Legion Post #350, the EAA Pilots Association, and the Wisconsin Retired Sheriff and Deputy Sheriffs Association.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Roberta Kohn; and granddaughter, Sarah Kohn in infancy.

Robert is survived by his daughters, Betty McWilliams of LaValle, Debra Bennett (Craig Dean) of Maryville, TN; grandchildren: Bridgett (James) Hawley, Robert (Melissa) Kohn, Richard (Angie) Kohn, Laura (Chuck) VanBaalen, Ryan (Desiree) Kohn, Ellen Ryan, Peter Dudgeon, Erin (Scott) VanGrinsven, Jason Dudgeon, Jonathan Bennett, Jill (Roger) McKinney, Jeffrey (Bonnie) Bennett; 28 great grandchildren; sister, Ruth Hamburg of Reedsburg; brother, Richard McWilliams of Janesville; several nieces and  nephews; along with other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Robert L. McWilliams will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, with Pastor Paul Crolius officiating.  Burial with military rites will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery, LaValle.  Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2:00 until 5:00 PM at the Farber Funeral Home, and on Monday from 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM at the funeral home.