Robert J. “Bob” Watson, 73, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Gundersen Health Services in La Crosse.

He was born on August 5, 1951, to Bernard and Mary (Malphy) Watson in Hillsboro. Robert graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1969.

Robert married Jean A. Fronk on June 12, 1982.

Bob has worked in a variety of positions as a mechanic or maintenance technician including at Ken’s Mobil, Farmer’s Co-op, M & J Auto, Christmas Mountain Resort and Whitehall Specialties.

Bob was also active in the area’s emergency services for many years. He was an EMT in Hillsboro from the 1970s until 1999, becoming co-director with Terry Sosinsky. He served on the Hillsboro Fire Department for 17 years, many of those as a captain. He also served on the Hillsboro City Council.

He leaves behind his brother-in-law William (Carol) Fronk of Kendall, his sister-in-law Diane Fronk (Jim Moore) of Tomah, his nephew Matthew (Kelly) Fronk and family, his niece Meredith (Jeremy) Tomesh and family, and his nephew Chad (Samantha) Schiefelbein and family.

His wife Jean Watson died on July 19, 2023, as did his father Bernard Watson, his mother Mary O’Connor, his stepfather Thomas O’Connor, and aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 17th at 10:30 a.m. at Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro. Thomas Hotek will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro. A wake will be held on Saturday, August 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Picha Funeral Home in Hillsboro.