ROBERT COYLE

The world lost a sweet, humble, generous man on Saturday, March 23, 2024, when Robert Thomas Coyle passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family.    

Bob was born on May 18, 1948, to Thomas Coyle and Patricia (Letter) Coyle at Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, WI.  Bob grew up on Doty Island in Neenah and attended St. Patrick's grade school in Menasha and graduated from Neenah High School in 1966.  Growing up, Bob enjoyed taking road trips in the family station wagon, fishing on nearby lakes and rivers, and working on cars.  He followed in his father's footsteps and began work as an engraver at American National Can in Neenah in 1966.    

A few months later, Bob enlisted in the Air Force and served honorably for 4 years from 1966 to 1970.  He was honored with multiple medals and commendations for his service, most notably the Air and Space Commendation Medal for acts of heroism in April of 1970.  Near the end of his enlistment, Bob married the love of his life and best friend Susan (Schulz) Coyle on September 5, 1970, in Omaha, NE.  Soon after, the newlyweds moved to Bob's hometown of Neenah. He returned to American National Can where he remained for the next 39 years.    

Bob was an amazing father to Jeremy, Elizabeth, and David and helped  foster their distinctive identities. Although unique, they mirror Bob's values of faith, hard work, and compassion. He was always supportive of his children and was just a phone call away for advice about money, family, and most importantly, grocery prices!  

Bob enjoyed simple things in life.  He loved his garden and each year he aimed to create beautiful scenery for him and Susan to enjoy on warm summer nights.  He looked forward to Tuesday and Friday coffee with the guys and weekly breakfasts at the Weather Vane.  Sometimes, Bob would simply hop in his car and drive around rural Wisconsin until he found a small town cheese factory or meat market.  He would load up his cart and deliver goodies around the state to his friends and family.    

Bob was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church in Neenah, WI, previously serving as a church elder.  Bob could often be found at church making food for dinners, cutting fabric for quilts, or tidying up the courtyard during the summer months.  What he found to be truly rewarding was stocking the blessing box, sometimes daily.  The blessing box has provided and will continue to provide community members with food, water, and other essential items.  

Above all, Bob was a devoted and loving husband to Susan who passed away in 2020 after nearly 50 years of marriage.  Susan was a creative artist, turning her talents into multiple successful business ventures including needlepoint and basket weaving.  Susan and Bob owned and operated a small basket-themed gift shop in Sister Bay, WI where Susan taught basket weaving classes to customers, many of whom became lifelong friends. They took their basket weaving show on the road and traveled all over the country, teaching thousands of students the art of basket weaving.  Susan became a nationally renowned and highly sought after instructor with her classes often selling out as soon as registration opened.  She never would have been able to do it without the unwavering support of Bob.  Their hard work afforded them the opportunity to travel the country, experience diverse and unique cultures, and visit family.  Susan and Bob truly enjoyed the American Southwest and Southern California.  They would stay for weeks at a time with Bob's sister Maureen (Coyle) Armstrong and her husband Doug in Escondido, CA.  While there, they basked in the sun, made daily treks to the Wild Animal Park, and visited Spanish Missions up and down the coast.  Their life together was one big adventure filled with love and joy.  

Bob will live in the memories of his son, Jeremy (Julie) Coyle, daughter, Elizabeth (Troy) Kuppernus, son, David (Jessica) Coyle, brother-in-law, Max (Pamela) Schulz, sister, Maureen (Douglas) Armstrong, brother, Daniel Coyle, nieces: Emily Coyle and Crystal Schulz, nephews: Caleb Coyle and Max Schulz III, grandchildren: Dylan (Alyssa) Hedtke, Zachary and Morgan Coyle, Tyler and Riley Kuppernus, Trinity and Anson Coyle, and great- grandchildren: Sky, Jude, Kalli, Charli, Henryk, and Luci Hedtke  

Visitation and memorial services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on April 1, 2024, at 200 Church Street, Neenah. The visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 am followed by the service at 11:00 am at First Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Kimbrel Johnson officiating. Military Honors will follow with the Neenah Menasha Veterans Honor Guard.

The family would like to thank the staff of ThedaCare at Home Hospice and ThedaCare Oncology for all their wonderful care of Bob.