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Robert LeRoy Parkins

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Submitted by admin on Tue, 04/07/2026 - 10:05

August 2, 1929–March 29, 2026

Robert LeRoy Parkins, age 96, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, March 29, 2026.

Bob was born on August 2, 1929 to Rolla and Pauline (Hampton) Parkins, Glen Haven. He attended and graduated from Patch Grove High School in 1948. After high school, Bob worked as a mechanic at Grass Motors and painted cars at Marquette Body Shop which undoubtedly fueled his passion for cars. He was in the U.S. Army stationed in England from 1951–1953 during the Korean War and a member of the Bloomington American Legion.

Bob met the love of his life at a Legion Dance in Bloomington. Bob married Bernadette Mergen on Oct. 26, 1957 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bloomington. Over the years, they cherished traveling the US on Warco Bus tours and building a long, fulfilling life together with their six wonderful children, grand and great grandchildren.

Bob loved spending time outdoors meticulously working in his fl ower beds and especially took pride in his roses. He was an avid reader, particularly romance novels, and enjoyed watching Wisconsin Badgers basketball and volleyball. His greatest joy, however, was the time he shared with his wife and family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Bernadette, of 68 years; his children Bob (Mary Jo) Parkins of Appleton, Tom (late Linda) Parkins of Bloomington,  John Parkins (Mark Essington) of Wood Dale, Ill., Cathy (Mark) Luhring of Waunakee, Mike (April) Parkins of Pardeeville, and Kelli Keiner (Greg Sanders) of Oregon; in addition to many loving grand and great grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Rolla and Pauline Parkins, brother, Jim Parkins, sister-in-law, Sharon Parkins, daughter-in-law, Linda Parkins and Mergen family members: Michael & Lena Mergen, John and Margaret Mergen, Betty Mergen, Ambrose Mergen, Joe & Verna Mergen and Bud and Rosemary Elskamp.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Crossing Rivers Health Center, Grant County Home Health and Grant County Hospice for their outstanding care.

Visitation for Family & Friends on Saturday, April 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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