Obituaries

Robert M. Hesslink, Jr. “Bob”, Verona, WI

Robert M. Hesslink, Jr. passed away unexpectedly at his home in the Town of Montrose south of Verona on January 17, 2024. Bob was born to Robert, Sr. and Camilla (Reisner) Hesslink in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on November 7, 1945. In 1963, he graduated from Sheboygan South High School. He obtained a BS in Accounting from Lakeland University in Sheboygan in 1968 and then enrolled in UCLA School of Law. He was drafted into the Army shortly thereafter and was stationed in Worms, Germany from 1969 to 1971. He enrolled in the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1971 and received his JD in 1973.

He began his legal career as an attorney for the Tennessee Valley Authority. In 1975, he was appointed Senior Assistant Corporation Counsel for Dane County (Madison), Wisconsin, where he was responsible for handling all civil litigation for the county and for issuing legal opinions in civil matters to the county board and to county officials. In 1977, he joined the Madison firm of Mulcahy & Wherry, S. C. In 1978, he joined DeWitt LLP, in Madison, where his principal responsibilities involved nursing home representation, employment litigation, and municipal law. He was elevated to partnership shortly thereafter. In 1984, he founded Hesslink Law Offices, S.C. in Monona, Wisconsin, his own general practice law firm where he engaged in varied civil litigation and provided legal advice and assistance in business and family law matters. He also continued with the specialized legal matters that he had been involved in at DeWitt. In 1992, Bob and Caryl designed and built a new law office in the City of Verona and relocated the firm there from Monona. They shuttered that office in 2010, but continued the law practice at their home office through 2014, when they closed the firm thirty years after it had been founded.

On October 18, 1986, Bob married the love of his life, Caryl Kappelman Welk, in Madison, Wisconsin. In 1989, Bob and Caryl designed and built their dream home on ten acres of lush wooded land in the Town of Montrose, where they resided together until his death.

Bob and Caryl loved to travel. They explored all seven continents and vacationed throughout the world and the United States. Their motto was "never go back." They were always looking for a new country, culture, or cuisine to explore.

From 2001 to 2002, Bob had a year of "parenthood," which he greatly enjoyed. He and Caryl hosted Jesper Gruning, a foreign exchange student from Hillerod, Denmark. Jesper and his family came to visit Bob and Caryl in 2017. The two families remain in contact to this day.

Bob's dog, Gunner, was his faithful companion for thirteen years. They were inseparable inside and outside of the house. Bob especially enjoyed taking Gunner on errands and long walks. When there were no errands to do, they would often just go on car rides together.

Bob enjoyed hunting. He set up tree stands on their acreage each deer season. Recognizing that hunting is a sport, he began hunting using only a muzzle-loaded rifle. Nevertheless, he was very proficient, stocking their freezer full of venison each season. For many years, Bob also travelled to Caryl's home town of Winner, South Dakota, to hunt pheasant with friends.

Bob was also a skilled tennis player. For 25 years, he played on USTA men's adult, men's senior, and mixed doubles teams. He greatly enjoyed playing for the Unsponsored Petersens, where his teams had success and he made many friends. He played in numerous team events, including many Wisconsin State Tournaments, three Midwest Sectional tournaments, and one mixed doubles National Tournament.

Bob's passion was University of Wisconsin athletics. He was an avid fan, and a season ticket holder in football, men's basketball, volleyball, and women's hockey. He also attended many men's hockey games. He and Caryl particularly enjoyed getting together with friends at local establishments before or after athletic events.

Bob valued his family. He was a loyal friend, and never hesitated to help others, always with a smile. He was quick with a quip. His memory will be cherished by those who knew him.

Bob was an active member of the Wisconsin Bar until his death. He was the Secretary of the Board of Directors of Engineering Industries, Verona, from 1995 until his death. He was a past president of the Verona Chamber of Commerce, and a past member of the Fitchburg-Verona Rotary Club.

He is survived by Caryl, his wife of 37 years, sisters Monica (Fred Zittel) of Sheboygan, Wisconsin and Suzanne Kildsig of Oshkosh, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Janice Kappelman of Rapid City, South Dakota; twelve nieces and nephews; five grandnieces; one grandnephew; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers-in-law Ray Borst, Ron Kappelman and David Kildsig; and his sister-in-law, Jo Ann Borst.

A Mass of Christian Burial will he held at St. William Catholic Church, 1371 County Highway PB, Paoli, Wisconsin, on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 1:00 pm, with Military Honors to follow. There will be an informal reception following the service. Memorials may be made to the Nature Conservancy.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com