April 29, 1949 – November 4, 2026
Robbin R. "Rob" Pichelman, 77, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2026, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.
Rob was born on April 29, 1949, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, to Ray and Audrey Pichelman. He attended school in Stevens Point and graduated from Merrill High School in 1968. Following graduation, Rob earned a degree at Minneapolis drafting school.
Rob's career took him throughout the United States, where he managed retail operations in several states. Eventually, he returned to Merrill, Wisconsin, where he supervised operations at several local window manufacturing facilities. A talented designer and craftsman, Rob's greatest passion was home design. He built the home he shared with his beloved wife, Shirley, and throughout his life designed homes across the United States and into Canada.
On October 18, 1997, Rob married Shirley Ament. Together, they built a wonderful life in Merrill and shared many adventures traveling throughout the United States.
Rob enjoyed the outdoors and spent countless hours hunting and fishing. He was also an accomplished cook who loved spending time in the kitchen creating homemade treats and goodies for family and friends. In the 1980s, Rob earned his pilot's license and fulfilled his lifelong love of aviation by owning two airplanes. He cherished every opportunity to take to the skies and admire the beauty of the landscape below. Rob was also active in the local RC flying community, enjoying many years hosting and flying radio-controlled airplanes and racing RC cars with his close friends.
Rob is survived by his loving wife, Shirley Pichelman; his brother, Burl (Gail) Scantlin; his sons, Scott Pichelman of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and Sean (Jessica) Pichelman of Florida; his stepchildren, Dicky (Carrie) Heckendorf and Darrin (Sara) Heckendorf; sisters-in-law Kathy (Harold) Marshall, Margie Oestriech, Judy (John) Tomajcik; brothers-in-law Quinten (Linda) Ament, Steve (Laura) Ament; with 11 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Audrey Pichelman; his beloved stepfather, Leslie Neuman; his Father-in-law, Quinten (Irene) Ament; his sisters, Darla (Dale) Heinz, Paula Stickler, and Gloria Neuman; his twin brother, Rodney (Diane) Pichelman; his daughter-in-law, Beth Steffen; one nephew and niece, his dear friend, Richard Barringer; and brother-in-law, David Oestriech; and many other cherished friends and loved ones who touched his life.
Above all, Rob loved his family. He found great happiness in spending time with those he loved, sharing stories, lending a helping hand, and creating lasting memories. His warmth, sense of humor, and adventurous spirit made him a joy to be around and someone who was never forgotten.
While our hearts are heavy with his loss, we are grateful for the many years, memories, and love we shared with him. Rob's legacy will live on through his family, his friends. He will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered.
