Robert Fredrick “Bob” Leopold,
Robert Fredrick “Bob” Leopold,
Robert Fredrick “Bob” Leopold, age 85, of Reedsburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 23, 2026. He was born on May 17, 1941, in Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of William “Bill” and Christina “Carrie” (Pilz) Leopold. He graduated from Monroe High School, later attended Green County Teachers College, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in education from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
On June 22, 1972, Robert married Mary Ann Enter in Madison, Wisconsin. Their marriage was blessed with a son Jeff and daughter Kari. Bob and Mary shared many wonderful years together and were active supporters of their family and community. He was very dedicated to his family, and loved his grandkids so very much.
Bob dedicated 33 years to education, spending most of his teaching career in the Reedsburg School District in Rock Springs. He served as principal 6th grade teacher of Rock Springs School for 30 years. He devoted countless hours beyond the school day to extracurricular activities and mentoring. He also organized the speed rope jumping contest and the annual Upham Woods outing for sixth-grade students throughout the district. He was awarded Principal of the Year and American Teacher Award. Bob and Mary were avid sports enthusiasts and were at every sporting event the kids had. They held season tickets to University of Wisconsin football games for 15 years and enjoyed watching Reedsburg sports teams throughout the years.
Bob’s commitment to young people extended well beyond the classroom. He chaperoned youth at the State Fair Dairy Show for 20 years and served as Sauk County Fair Dairy Superintendent for 25 years. He also worked for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture as a judge at fairs throughout the state, judging dairy, goats, youth leadership, and exploring projects. He judged cattle shows for more than 45 years. Bob was an active and dedicated 4-H leader. As a young 4-H member, he earned national honors for dairy and forestry projects, represented Wisconsin at the National Dairy Judging Contest, received the Outstanding 4-H Boy Award, and was chosen to receive the 4-H Key Award in 1966. This drove his lifelong commitment to 4-H. Throughout his years of service, he received numerous honors, including the Sauk County Friend of 4-H Award and the Friend of the Farmer Award from the Sauk County Holstein Association. He served for 16 years on the Sauk County 4-H Senior Leaders Executive Board, including terms as director representative, vice president, and president. He was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame and judged at the Wisconsin State Fair which was always a dream for him. Bob also served as a citizen member of the Sauk County UW-Extension Committee.
Bob often said that his greatest pleasure in being involved in 4-H was seeing young people grow into successful adults. He was especially proud that many of those young people continued their involvement in 4-H and carried its values into their adult lives. His influence touched generations of students and 4-H members, many of whom remained grateful for his encouragement, guidance, and friendship.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Leopold, on May 18, 2020; his parents; his brother, William “Bill” and Joyce Leopold; and his sister, Dorothy and Wilbert Christen.
Bob is survived by his daughter, Kari (Michael) Schulte and their children, Emily and Anna; his son, Jeffrey Leopold and his daughter, Whitney Schmidt; his sister, Shirley (William “Bill”) Pick; his brother, Virgil (Carol) Leopold; special family friend, Shelly Rueber; and many nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and special friends.
Funeral services for Robert F. Leopold will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reedsburg, with Pastor Paul Crolius officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Reedsburg. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg, and again on Saturday morning from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sauk County 4-H program or the Sauk County Healthcare Center.
