Robert Ivan “Bob” Plummer

Robert Ivan “Bob” Plummer, age 86 of Ellsworth WI, died on Wednesday morning, March 25, 2020 at the River Falls Hospital. Bob was born May 19, 1933 in Arkansaw WI to parents George and Winifred (Stuart) Plummer. Bob attended the Plummer School, and then Arkansaw High School where he graduated with the Class of 1951. In December of 1955, Bob was united in marriage to Sharon Diane Wekkin. Together, they raised a family of seven children, sharing 24 years with one another before divorcing in 1979.
Bob farmed, worked as a carpenter, and even bounced at a dance hall for a while before becoming a union mason. He spent decades working with his hands and building many projects. Bob took great pride in his work. His work was an art – and he made sure it was done right the first time. In his retirement years, Bob enjoyed driving around and pointing out past projects and how they had endured.
Much like the enduring legacy of his work, Bob leaves a legacy of love among family and friends. His pride was measured in conversations of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he cherished time spent with them all. Bob also adored his two dogs, Greta and Buddy. Though he didn’t necessarily like to grow old, Bob loved to celebrate his birthday. He also loved to play cards and go fishing, as well as growing roses and vegetables in his gardens. Whether just going to the Pierce County Fair or taking a trip to Germany, Bob loved to travel. The best parts of any given day for Bob involved a hot cup of coffee, maybe sometimes even a cold beer. Bob really enjoyed grabbing a bite to eat – and, no matter what, he always made room for pie. To Bob, pie was a little slice of heaven here on earth. He will be missed dearly by family and friends alike.
Bob is survived by his children, Lauri (Greg) Zrust, Becky Rogers, Kathy (Joe) Betzel, Jeff (Lisa) Plummer, Joe (Mary) Plummer, Darla (Mike) Mihalik, and Nona (Paul Tomas) Plummer; 24 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Yvonne “Tootie” Carrel, and Bea Baril; sister-in-law, Betty Plummer; brother-in-law, Kenny Cotterman; his beloved dog, Buddy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Winifred; his brother, George; and his sister Patricia Cotterman.
A Celebration of Life for Bob Plummer is being planned for a later date, and will be announced closer to that time. Memorials honoring Bob may be directed to the Goodhue County Humane Society, 1213 Brick Avenue, Red Wing MN 55066. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home and Trusted Cremation Provider of Ellsworth, WI. 715-273-4421 www.oconnellbenedict.com