Robert L. Plumley

Robert Leslie Plumley, age 87, of Knapp, WI passed away Sunday, May 17 at his home.

He was born July 11, 1938, in Baldwin, WI to Harold and Grace (Nelson) Plumley. He grew up in the Centerville area, as a young man he moved to Kenosha, WI for a few years and then returned to Knapp, WI in 1969 where he lived until death.

Robert met Vira Mae Laehn (and her baby daughter) in Kenosha. After moving back to Knapp and living there for several years, they were married on July 1, 1972, in a private ceremony with Rev. Doering. During this time Bob worked for Century Fence, did construction work and started dreaming about owning his own business. He purchased a couple properties in Knapp and Wilson and began renting to various tenants. During this time, he also purchased an old bank building in Wilson, WI which he renovated into “Bob’s Garage” for automotive repairs. This is where he would finish his career as a self-employed entrepreneur.

Bob enjoyed his free time and made sure he took full advantage of what life had to offer. He was in the pool league for several years, loved attending the races on Friday nights and helped the pit crew in Menomonie, WI. He and Vi also enjoyed snowmobiling, motorcycling, and spending long weekends at the lake.

Bob loved to fix things, even if they weren't broken. He would tinker with it and make sure it was working his way or had Bob’s touch to the solution. His creativity was endless and he always was thinking about what next project or thing he should get Vi and Michelle involved in.

Bob is survived by his wife Vira Mae of Knapp (currently Marshfield); his adopted daughter Michelle (Keith) Boernke of Marshfield, and his biological daughter Diane Rowe of Michigan. He is also survived by several grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. (Surviving close relatives include Vira Mae Plumley (spouse), Michelle (Keith) Boernke (Daughter and Son-in-law), Kendra (Jonny) Janssen (granddaughter), Torin Boernke (grandson), Myles Janssen (great grandson), Chloe Janssen (great granddaughter), Diane Rowe (daughter), Andrew Rowe (Grandson), Noah, Lorena, and Sophia (great grandchildren), Mathew Rowe (Grandson), Quentin, Leland, and Melody (great grandchildren) , Bethany Rowe (Granddaughter), Emily Rowe (Granddaughter).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Grace Plumley, his brother Jerry, sisters Arlis, Arlene, Betty, and Sue.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 22, 2026, at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie, WI with Celebrant Teresa Pejsa officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Centerville, WI.

To share a memory, visit obituaries at www.olsonfuneral.com