Robert R. “Bobcat” Kolvenbach, age 79, of Plymouth, passed away on June 1, 2024, 11 days short of his
80 th birthday.
He was born on June 12, 1944, son of the late George and Genevieve (Stephan) Kolvenbach. Bobcat
attended St. Boniface in Germantown and graduated from Washington Union High School in 1962.
Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy. Bobcat served in aviation, doing basic
training in San Diego, CA, and being stationed during his service in: Norfolk, VA, Corpus Christi, TX, Spain,
Sicily, and Puerto Rico. He received the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged
as Yeoman 3 rd Class (Y3C) in October 1966.
Bobcat worked as a machinist at D+L Manufacturing in Menomonee Falls for over 35 years, and later
worked at Curt Joa from 1999-2003.
He was previously married and had 3 children.
In September 1997, he met Judy (Meilahn) Figard and they were married on January 9, 1998. Before
they were married, he would have tantrums and meltdowns like Bobcat Goldthwaite, and he also loved
cats, so Judy gave him the nickname “Bobcat.” During their marriage, Bobcat was an awesome step-dad
to her children, Kyle and Brent.
Bobcat was a member of the Cascade American Legion Post #386. He served as a guardian for another
veteran for the Honor Flight in 2008. In May 2018, he was fortunate to go on the Vet’s Roll Bus Trip
which he absolutely loved, and in 2019, his service was recognized with the Honor Flight, which he also
loved because he was a World War II buff, wanting to know every detail.
He loved golfing, camping, play sheepshead, working on old cars (especially his ‘59 Chevelle), chocolate,
Ruffles chips, dark beer, and watching the Wisconsin sports teams and was often screaming at the TV
when the Packers were playing. Bobcat enjoyed traveling to Canada, California, Hawaii, Arizona, and
“roughing it” at Necedah Wildlife Refuge during bow-hunting season. He also loved animals, especially
dogs, cats, and horses. He always said he liked animals better than people because they don’t cheat or
lie, and as his favorite song by Billy Currington says, “People Are Crazy.”
Bobcat had a heart of gold, he got loud when he was excited, and he was a true veteran and a good
man. He will be greatly missed!
Survivors include: His loving wife, Judy; Step-sons: Brent (Joni) Figard of Redondo Beach, CA, and Kyle
(Stefani) Figard of Fond du Lac; Grandkids: Aidan and Aubrey of CA; Sister-in-law, Marilyn Gephart of
Cascade; As well as other relatives and friends.
Bobcat was preceded in death by: His parents; Parents-in-law, Carl and Edna Meilahn; Sister, Patsy
Endert; Brother, Ted Kolvenbach; Brothers-in-law: Rich Meilahn and Bob “Guppy” Gephart; Canine Buds:
Casey, Elliot, and Floyd; and Feline Buds: Bert, Olivia, and Marvin “Rudy” who passed one day before
Bobcat.
Memorial Services will be held on July 8, 2024 (Monday) at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth.
Visitation will take place from 10:00am-12:00pm, with a prayer service to follow at 12:00pm. Rev. John
Schultz will officiate and the Cascade American Legion will honor Bobcat with military rites. The service
will be livestreamed and can be viewed on the Suchon Funeral Home Facebook Page –
www.facebook.com/suchonfuneral.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Bobcat’s name to: Dogs 2 Dogtags or the Sheboygan
County Humane Society.
The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is assisting the family. For online
condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
Judy would like to thank all of the first responders and medical professionals for the care and
compassion given to Bobcat, as well as all of the family and friends for their love and support.
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