Robert J. Jung
Robert J. Jung, age 85, of Prairie du Chien passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2023, from mesothelioma. He was born on May 29, 1938, the son of Robert P. and Virginia (Crouch) Jung and grew up in Hillsboro, Wisc.
In June 1955 Bob hitchhiked from Hillsboro to Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Ill., to enlist in the US Navy. His service included multiple ships including the USS Tutuila, USS Betelgeuse, USS Gunston Hall, USS Floyd County, and USS Skagit. He was assigned twice to the USS Glacier icebreaker during ‘Operation Deep Freeze’ in Antarctica. He served with the Department of Naval Affairs as an engineman for the presidential unit boats including the Kennedy’s yacht, the Honey Fitz. He volunteered for a tour in Vietnam in the Mekong Delta area with River Section 523 (RIVDIV 52 - river patrol boats). Bob finished his career as a Navy instructor in Great Lakes Service School retiring on October 31, 1974, after serving 20 years and the rank of ENC.
Bob began his second career with Colt Industries/Fairbanks Morse Engine Division in 1976 initially in field services, traveling around the world to troubleshoot engines. He was an instructor for the training school and became supervisor of field services, retiring on June 1, 2000.
Bob’s third career was driving school and charter buses for Southwest Bus Service, and he was affectionately known as “Bus Driver Bob”. Bob married Teresa Whalen on October 11, 1958, in Philadelphia, PA.
After 62 years of marriage, his wife Teresa preceded him in death on December 2, 2020. He is survived by his children Terri (Rusty) Cooper, Robert (Lori) Jung, Becky (Steve) Henry, and Peter (Heather) Jung; his siblings Ruth Ann (Floyd) Hull, Betty (Bruce) Hammen, and Fritz Jung (Brian Wipperfurth); nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings James Jung and Mary Maki, and his great-grandson Dominic Reichmann. Bob loved to travel, having visited all 50 states as well as attending many ship reunions, long Sunday drives, taking care of his lawn, and a nightly toddy of Tito’s vodka.
A grave side service will be Friday, June 9, at 11 a.m., at the Calvary Cemetery in Prairie du Chien. Friends may call at the Garrity Funeral Home in Prairie du Chien on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of departure for the cemetery. Military honors will be accorded graveside by the Prairie du Chien Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Crossing Rivers Hospice, 37868 US Hwy 18, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821. The Garrity Funeral Home of Prairie du Chien is assisting the family. www.garrityfuneralhome.com
