Robert K. Wright died at Clarissa Cook Hospice House on November 26, 2013 after an extended illness that he confronted with courage and good humor. He was born in Dubuque, Iowa on November 17, 1942 to Myrtle (Hendricks) Wright and Donald James Wright. He grew up in Galena, Illinois and was a star football player for the Galena High School Pirates. He joined the United States Navy upon graduation in 1960. He served as a Fire Control Technician on the destroyer USS Charles H. Roan. His ship was deployed to the waters off of Cuba during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.Robert Wright and Judith (Hamilton) were married in Galena on April 9, 1962.In 1967 Bob graduated from Wisconsin State University in Platteville, Wisconsin, where he excelled in mathematics. That year he joined John Deere in Dubuque. He moved to John Deere, Davenport, in 1973 where he served as Manager of Production Control and ultimately as Division Supervisor Strategic Management. He retired in 2000.Bob enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and fishing, and he was an avid fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his wife, Judy. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012. They were high school sweethearts, the 1959 Galena High School homecoming king and queen, and they remained sweethearts until Bob’s death.He is survived by his wife, Judith, of Davenport, his brother, James Wright, of New Hampshire, and seven nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to the friends who supported Bob and Judy over the last several months. And a special thanks to their niece, Doctor Lisa Carlson of Ankeny, Iowa, who was always there for them.This fall an anonymous gift established the Robert and James Wright endowment at the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. This fund will provide scholarship support for students and will also help fund a program supporting veterans who are enrolled at the school. Robert Wright was very pleased and very proud of this generous recognition.The staff at Lighhouse Homecare has been incredibly supportive of both Bob and Judy over the last several weeks. They have made a difference.The family is grateful to the Clarissa Cook Hospice House staff for their professionalism and their warm support and care of Bob in his final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to this program.A private funeral and a memorial service will be scheduled in 2014.
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