Robert E. Ashmus, 73, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at his home in Kenosha, following a brave struggle with cancer.

Born in Kenosha on Nov. 3, 1935, he was the son of the late William and Alfreda (Ellefson) Ashmus.

He attended Bradford High School.

Shortly after high school, Bob faithfully served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1962.

He owned and operated Midwest Equipment for 40 years.

On Oct. 16, 1992, at the Kemper Center, he was united in marriage to Rosie Pawloski.

For the past 12 years, Bob enjoyed his winters in Florida. He loved life and savored every opportunity to be in the sun or near the water. Bob enjoyed boating and was the proud captain of the "Queen Ann," as well as many other boats over the years. A devoted Packer fan, he enjoyed watching games and playing Sheepshead. His favorite pastime was golfing; Jan. 26, 2006, is a day that will forever be remembered by those close to Bob as the day he got a hole in one!

He made a lasting impression on those whose lives he touched with his devotion to his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife and six sons; Bill (Kim) Ashmus, Rick (Cyndi) Ashmus, Jim (Beth) Ashmus, Rob (Ann) Ashmus, Jeff (Lisa) Ashmus, Mike (Janis) Ashmus; two stepsons, Mike Pawloski and Dave (Pam) Pawloski; 13 grandchildren, Heather, Denise, Annie, Dan, Tom, Casey, Kyle, Brett, Nicole, Meghan, Caitlyn, Jacob and Matthew; and two step-grandchildren, Brendan and Cameron Pawloski. Also surviving Bob are his brother, Gene Ashmus, and sisters, Joyce Barca and Lynn (Donn) Beck, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Peter Barca, and sister-in-law, Shirley Ashmus.