Robert John Preston, 87, of Kenosha, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2009, at Hospitality Manor. Born in Kenosha on December 5, 1921, he was the son of the late Jesse R. and Anna (Hecht) Preston. He attended schools in Kenosha, graduating from Kenosha Central High School in 1940. A Somers farmer in the 1930’s, he attended UW-Madison, receiving a B.S. Degree in Agriculture. He swam competitively with the KYF team, his high school team and for the University of Wisconsin. He also rowed for the freshman crew team at U.W. During World War II, he served 3 1/2 years in the Army Air Corps receiving navigator and pilot training. As a pilot he flew B-25, B-26, P-39 and P-63 aircraft. As a volunteer "pinball" pilot he flew target planes for the frangible gunnery training of B-29 gunners. He married Mary Louise Holderness on August 12, 1944. She preceded him in death on July 31, 1992. While living in Kenosha he had worked at Nash Motors, MacWhyte and American Brass. After graduating from U.W., he was employed by Carnation Company in plant supervision in four states. He then pursued marketing for Canada Dry, Standard Oil of Indiana and N.S. Koos & Son. He represented Outboard Marine Corp in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut before becoming national sales manager in 1959. He retired from OMC in 1985. He was a member of St. Mary’s Lutheran Church, the Masonic Order, American Legion, N.R.A., 306 Club, Bristol Shooting Club, U.W. Alumni Association, Brass and Copper Workers Union, Senior Citizens Council, Pershing Rifles and R.O.T.C. He had also served on the City of Kenosha Zoning Board of Appeals, Regional Airport Commission, the Tax Board of Review, and the Harbor Commission. He is survived by a son, Craig H. (Angela) Preston of Kenosha; four grandchildren, Lt. Col. Robert John Preston II, Dana Lyn Verette, Craig Jason Preston, and Kady Edel Fox; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Julie Fox; and a brother, Donald Preston. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 22nd, at St. Mary’s Lutheran Church at 5:30 p.m. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church from 3:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Hospice Alliance would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Robert’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
John Millard, Jr.
On behalf of my Mother, Rose and I, our sincere condolences to the Preston family. My Father and Bob were friends and coworkers at Johnson during the 70's. I remember Bob from my tenure with OMC. He was one of the greatest sales people I ever met. Professional, kind, warm and always humorous. He is someone you'll never forget, and I am fortunate for having known him.
Vern Naden
Bob was simply a great guy who lived a wonderful life. A man that men respected. Most of the younger sales people that came on board at Johnson Outboards in the 1970's looked up to, and respected Bob as the "man in charge". No one could hold an audience better, and tell a story like Bob. He "worked" the crowd. For those of us still around, the greatest part of salesmeetings in those days was having Bob up on the podium. Along with letting you know his expectations, he interjected with a joke or three, a couple of personal photos from various places, followed by any number of insults directed at senior managment. One of the only people that I can truly say was one of a kind. My sincere condolences to the Preston family.
Carol Caris
October 23, 2009
Our hearts go out to your family at this time of sadness and loss. Bob was such a good friend; always had a smile on his face; always had joke or something said to create a laugh. He was a versatile and talented man who humbled himself before us all. God bless you and know that we think about you often and hope the true love and joy he had in his life will be a symbol for you in your life.
Sandy Kavaliauskas
October 23, 2009
Dear Craig and Angela, I'm so sorry we were not able to come to the funeral and express our sympathy in person. I just found out about this opportunity today. I have always enjoyed seeing your Dad and listening to his "Malarky" on how good we both look. He always made me feel special. I remember the day he and your Mom got married. I was only five years old, but I thought they were the handsomest people there ever was. When they came down the stairs of Uncle Frank's and Aunt Edel's house, I thought they were beautiful. Our sympathy, Sandy and Wayne
Mike Gwaltney
October 22, 2009
We all know Bob had a great speaking voice and an ability to deliver a message on any subject with authority. After retirement he recorded hundreds of videos for the OMC Service Training Department. Interesting when you think how his voice guided thousands of Johnson and Evinrude outboard tech's through service procedures. When he came in to the service department for recordings I nicknamed Bob "Goodwrench". When you walked by a training classroom, it was fun to hear Goodwrench Preston's voice replicated at each work station.If you asked Bob Preston a sincere question you would expect a thoughtful answer. One example I recall was at his Johnson retirement. I asked, will you be moving someplace warmer than Kenosha? Bob promptly replied "Well, here are my thoughts on the subject". You sell your home most of your possessions, leave all your undefined and friends behind and move somewhere that you hardly know anyone.You do meet other couples, you go out for a couple of diners, and things are going nicely till you realize you are spending more retirement savings than you planned. You also realize these new friends have a lot more money than you. You miss your kids they don't have enough vacation to come visit and can't afford air fare. So my answer is No! I'll be staying with my friends in Kenosha.He certainly did stay and we all benefitted from his friendship for many years. We will miss you Bob. Mike Gwaltney
LillHauschild
October 21, 2009
My sincere condolences, I served with Mr. Preston on city commissions, I also knew your mother well from the olden days of Kenosha Hospital Auxilliary; they were both really great people, I will be out of town thursday, so therefore this"new type" message to the family, Lill Hauschild
Henry \Skip\" Hegel"
October 21, 2009
My Condolences to the Preston family on Bob's passing. I remember when Bob Preston brought me to the Johnson Outboard sales department from outboard service in 1979. I will remember him as intellegent, witty, humorous and an excellent leader. He always was ready with a joke and good advice. I have never met anyone that had anything but positive comments regarding Bob. He will truly be missed by me and all others that knew him. May he rest in peace. Skip Hegel