Robert William Tuttle, 88, formerly of Marshfield, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at DHR Hospice in Edinburg, Texas on March 14 , 2026.
Robert was born on June 14, 1937, in Watseka, Illinois, to Wayne and Naomi (Tatro) Tuttle. Bob
spent his early years living and working on the family farm, where he developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and hard work. As a young man, he was active in 4-H and FFA and enjoyed playing both basketball and football. He graduated from Watseka High School in 1955.
Following high school, Bob proudly served his country in the National Guard and was honorably discharged in April of 1962. On June 7, 1964, Bob married Judy Schroeder. Together they welcomed four children and later divorced.
He began his career working as an inseminator before moving to Weldon Farm in Rockford, Illinois, where he began farming in 1967. Bob loved his time at Weldon Farm, and his passion for farming continued to grow.
In 1972, Bob followed his career passion to Marshfield, Wisconsin, where he purchased his own dairy farm. It was there that he raised his four children, teaching them the value of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of loving and supporting family. His strong work ethic and dedication left a lasting impression on his children, and the farm became a place filled with cherished memories. His children and grandchildren often recall the joy, laughter, and adventures they shared growing up and spending time together on the farm.
After decades of hard work, Bob retired in the summer of 2003. In retirement, he finally allowed himself time to slow down—and it was during this time that he met the love of his life, Joyce Searles. Together they shared many wonderful years filled with golfing, fishing, camping, and spending time with their families. After selling the farm, they purchased a cabin on the Eau Pleine Flowage, where summers were spent fishing the days away. When winter arrived, Bob and Joyce became snowbirds, enjoying their time in Mission and Weslaco, Texas.
Bob’s greatest joy in life was his family. He loved his children and grandchildren deeply and treasured every moment spent with them. He was also an avid sports fan, especially when it came to Big Ten basketball and football, and he proudly cheered on his beloved University of Illinois Fighting Illini. But even those games took a back seat to watching his grandchildren do what they loved—whether it was football, wrestling, basketball, baseball, volleyball, or softball. If he couldn’t be there in person, he made sure to watch the games on live streams or would call the next day for a detailed play-by-play. He was such a proud grandpa and took great joy in cheering on his grandchildren in all that they did.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Naomi Tuttle; his brother, Raymond Tuttle; and his brother-in-law, John Arends.
He is lovingly survived by his special friend, Joyce Searles of Weslaco, Texas; his children, Jeff Tuttle (Pam) of Nekoosa, Wisconsin; Curt Tuttle (Lori) of Auburndale, Wisconsin; Bobbie Jo Aue (Bob) of Auburndale, Wisconsin; and Kim McDonough (Jason Ray) of Medford, Wisconsin. He is also survived by his sister, Clarice Arends of Bourbonnais, Illinois as well as several nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by his eleven grandchildren: Matt (Jamie) Tuttle, Alex (Chelsea) Tuttle, Ashley (Peter) Mazzetta, Joe (Bethany) Tuttle, Sam (Madison) Tuttle, Benn Tuttle, Mikayla (Markus) Kleifgan, Kurt (Brittany) Jankowski, Natalie Aue, Thomas Aue, and Harper McDonough; and ten great grandchildren: Gage Honeyager, Nolan Tuttle, Lydia Tuttle, Jackson Mazzetta, Ryder Mazzetta, Molly Mazzetta, Bella Tuttle, Poppy Tuttle, Orin Tuttle and JoJo Jankowski.
Bob is further survived by Joyce’s children: Lani (Randy) Spencer and their children, Bradley and Paige, of Nashville, Tennessee; Greg (Michelle) Houle and their children, Grant, Carter, and Trey, of Hugo, Minnesota; and Marci (Kevin) Watson and their children, Shantai, Shaelynn, and Kole, of Ardrossan, Alberta, Canada.
Bob will be remembered for his bright smile, hardworking spirit, his deep love for family, and the steady example he set for those around him. The lessons he passed on—about dedication, resilience, and caring for one another—will live on through the many lives he touched.
Per Bob’s wishes, there will be no public service or visitation. A private family celebration of life will be held in early summer.
