Obit: Piff, Robert John Sr. (1949 - 2006)

Contact: Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Piff, Wiberg, Anderson, Bradley, Brittig, Nagel

----Sources: Park Falls Herald (Park Falls, Wis.) 26 Jan. 2006

Piff, Robert John Sr. (2 March 1949 - 20 Jan. 2006)

Robert John Piff Sr, 56, Robert John Piff Sr, 56, of Ashland, died Jan. 20 at his home, with his loving family by his side, after a courageous battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

He was born March 2, 1949, in Ashland, the son of Albert and Gladys Piff. He served his tour of duty from October 1969 to July 1970 in Vietnam with the 16th Infantry First Infantry Division and with the ‘RiverRats’ patrolling the Cat Lai River, finishing his tour of duty with the 41st Infantry Second Armored Division. He received four Presidential Citations, three Bronze Stars, two Air Medals, ‘V’ for Valor, Combat Infantryman Badge and two Purple Hearts.

On May 11, 1970, he married Karen A. Wiberg in Honolulu, Hawaii. He loved old cars and restored all models of 1946 Hudsons. He was a life member of the DAV and dedicated himself to The Highground Veterans Memorial in Neillsville, Wis. He and his wife were also the coordinators of the Highground Northern Route Bike Tour, for which he was recognized for 25 years of service. He enjoyed having family and friends and would do anything for those in need. He enjoyed camping, working in his yard and working on cars in his garage. He was creative and had an incredible knack for fixing anything.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years; a son, Robert Jr. (Jean), a daughter, Jaime (Brian) Anderson; eight grandchildren, Josh, Whyatt, Tayler, Garrett, Lauren, Halle Piff and Bryce and Emma Anderson; two brothers, Al (Irene) and Jerry (Mary); a sister, Liz (Mike) Bradley; and one uncle, Irvin (Shirley) Brittig.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral: A memorial service was conducted Jan. 25 at Frost Home for Funerals in Ashland with Rev. Ralph Nagel officiating. A United Chequamegon Veterans service followed the memorial service at the funeral home.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Highground Memorial, P.O. Box 457, Neillsville, WI 54456.

Arrangements by the Frost Home for Funerals, Ashland.