Obituary: Robert H. Brogan

November 24, 1932 ~ May 3, 2022

Robert H. Brogan, died May 3, 2022 at the age of 89.

Bob was born in Milwaukee, WI, November 24, 1932, to Hugh C. Brogan and Helena M. Merkatoris Brogan. He attended grade school and high school in Kewaunee and Whitefish Bay, WI, then earned a B.B.A. degree in accounting from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, Bob married Geraldine “Geri” Mitby in 1956.

After his discharge in 1957, he returned to Wisconsin and joined the family construction business, becoming general manager in 1962. After the sale of the business in 1971, he pursued careers as a CPA, real estate broker, business consultant, and business manager for Nashotah House Theological Seminary. He also served many years on the board of The Lakeview Foundation, Milwaukee.

Bob and Geri raised their seven children in Brown Deer, Pewaukee and Delafield, WI, attending band and choral concerts, plays and musicals, football and soccer games, cross-country meets, and multiple other activities their children pursued. They were active in their communities and St. Anthony Catholic Church. The extraordinarily close and loving family enjoyed gathering daily for dinner and holidays, camping, exploring God’s beautiful creation, and simply being together. Upon retiring in 1992, Bob and Geri traveled extensively around the country for two years before settling in Door County, where Bob was active in Stella Maris Parish, Town of Liberty Grove planning committees, The Clearing, The Ridges Sanctuary, and other local nonprofit organizations working to preserve and support the environment. He had a deep sense of community sharing his time, talents, and treasures. He was genuine, loyal, and humble.

Bob enjoyed cooking and baking, appreciated by many for his rye bread, scones and soups. The past 11 years, he cherished sharing life with Peggy Prindle, Sister Bay, WI. They cycled thousands of miles in the United States and Europe, traveled with family to Ireland, and spent time with family and dear friends.

Time is a precious gift – and he shared his time and joy freely. Bob’s children treasure a lifetime of heartfelt memories, including listening to Bob play the piano and sing, games in the pool, looking for seashells on Florida beaches, fishing trips in Canada, but most of all, knowing they were loved completely, unconditionally and eternally by one of the truest, gentlest souls this world has known. He will forever be missed by his son, Jeff (Amy) Brogan; his daughters, Linda (Dave) Lande, Ann Bubolz, Nancy (John) Campbell, Theresa (Don) Schuster, Coleen (Tim) Valley, and Stefanie Brogan. His legacy is carried further through his 12 grandchildren, Chelsea (Ross) Bongert; Heather Timmel; Hugh (Lauren), Sarah, and Christian Schuster; McKenzie (Matt) Bailey; Colin, Sienna, Danielle and Tim Valley; and Ben and Justin Brogan. Additionally, Ashlynn, Sophia and Remington Bongert, and Sienna, Tyler and Caleb Bailey, will fondly remember time on Great-Grandpa Bob’s lap reading books and feeling loved in his embrace.

He dearly loved and enjoyed his extended family, including Louise Mitby, Katie Crary, and Matt Mitby; Dave’s children, Dan Lande and Michelle Gendron; Peggy’s five children, Augie (Marlene), Kurt (Marichuy), Michelle (Jeff), Patty (Garrett), Erik (Hannah) and their families; along with cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends of all ages he met through the years. He was gracious and kind to all.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Geri; and brother-in-law, Bernel Mitby.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 20, 2022 at Stella Maris Parish—Sister Bay site with Fr. Art Heinze officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will be at an earlier date at Trinity United Church of Christ Cemetery in LaCrosse, WI next to his wife, Geri.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to The Clearing, The Ridges Sanctuary, Door County Land Trust, Scandia Village, Stella Maris Parish or any other organization of your choice.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Sister Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Robert may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.