Robert "Bob" Appleby

Robert “Bob” Appleby, 68, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Bob was born on March 1, 1957 to Robert and Josie (Nabbefeld) Appleby in Port Washington.

Bob was an intelligent, loving, family man. He loved volleyball and played for decades and also enjoyed being on the golf course with buddies as often as he could. He loved rooting for the Packers and the Badgers. He thought castles were cool and loved watching and reading history and loved chatting about all of these things. Dog whisperer to all the dogs, especially his beloved, Cricket.

Bob’s early career was spent in the telecommunications industry, where he set up enterprise and small business phone systems across the Midwest.

In 2004, seeking a career that did not require living out of hotel rooms and suitcases, Bob joined ThedaCare as a Telecommunications Technician.

Over the years, Bob served on the Telecommunications Team, the Field Service Team, and ultimately the combined Networking and Telecommunications Team as a Systems Analyst.

He contributed to many key initiatives, including supporting new facility openings, decommissioning legacy sites, and crucial roles in phone system troubleshooting.

His friendly face and steady presence were known across all sites in the ThedaCare region, as he built lasting relationships at every location he supported.

Bob is survived by his wife Vicki Appleby whom he lovingly brought a dozen white roses every two weeks. His children Adam Appleby, Sampson Appleby, Courtney Rayburn (Mark), Samantha McDonald, Brittany McDonald (Michael). Son in law Nathan Richartz and grandchildren, Reese Richartz, Hudsen Richartz, Maya Rayburn and Cora Blasius and his dog Cricket. His grand-dogs, Bronson, Ted, Pico and Squash.

Preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Josie Appleby, brother Charlie (Chuck) Appleby, daughter Brooke Richartz. Furry friend Lili and grand-dogs, Pokey and Potatoe.

The memorial service for Bob will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at the Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton. A time of visitation will be held on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. For online condolences please visit www.valleyfh.com.

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