Robert “Bob” Wayne Lein, 82, of Onalaska, died Friday April 1, 2016, at the home of his daughter in La Crescent, Minnesota, after fighting prostate cancer.

He was born Jan. 31, 1934, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Arthur and Sophie (Bjerke) Lein. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church.

After graduating from Harmony High School, he joined the army in June of 1954. He served in Germany and was discharged in June of 1962. After serving his country he went to Brown Institute and started working for Western Electric and later AT&T, where he worked for 30 years. He maintained the relay towers in southeastern Minnesota. On March 15, 1958, he married Jan Skaim, the love of his life.

They lived in Minneapolis later moving to Austin, Minnesota, where they lived for 44 years. Following his cancer diagnosis, they moved to Onalaska in 2012 to be closer to Karin and family.

Bob enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed vacationing and fishing with his grandsons up north at Lucky Strike! His favorite pastimes included playing euchre, attending family gatherings and visiting with everyone, and going out for mystery trips with Jan and Karin. Bob was a proud Norwegian! And he was thankful he made the trip to Norway with Kevin and Barb.

His mottos were “One Day at a Time” and “Count your Blessings.”

Bob is survived by his wife Jan of Onalaska, Wisconsin; daughter Karin (Tom) Wiese of La Crescent; daughter-in-law Barb Lein of Temecula, California; grandsons, Michael Wiese of Holmen, Wisconsin, John (Katy) Wiese of Holmen, Peter (Jess) Wiese of Caledonia, Minnesota, Mark Wiese of Mankato, Minnesota, Jesse (Michelle) Bawek of DesMoines, Iowa; granddaughter Andrea (Danny) Marrapodi of Goleta, California; his great-grandchildren, Otis and Zora Marrapodi, Connor, Alex and Joslin Bawek; sister LaVonne Clink; sisters-in-law Gladys Howe, Lorraine Wright (Larry Schumacher), Markeata Schuler, Adline Jensen, Anna Marie (Jerry) Ewing, Darlene Klien (Mert Phipps), Audrey Lein; brothers-in-law, Harry (Dorene) Larson, Daryl ( Ellen) Larson, David (Linda) Larson, Bob Daniels; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Kevin; his parents Arthur and Sophie Lein; his in-laws Thelma and Leonard Larson; and his brother Glen Lein.

Bob was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather and brother. He will be dearly missed and remembered by his family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at Prince of Peace Lutheran church in La Crescent. Pastor Michael Woods will officiate. Burial will be in the Fremont Cemetery, Iowa. Friends may call on the family Wednesday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be used in Bob’s memory. Online guestbook may be signed at www.schumacher-kish.com.