Robert "Bob" L. Cowles, Jr., 87, of Allouez, passed away Thursday morning, September 29, 2011 at a local nursing home. The son of the late Dr. Robert Cowles, Sr. and Emily (Murphy) Cowles was born June 12, 1924 in Green Bay. He attended Howe School and was a graduate of Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. Bob was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater. He disassembled PT Boats following WW II and placed radar systems on Naval Vessels. Bob went back to pursue his education at Northwestern University and graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. On September 17, 1949 he married the former Margaret Lindstrom at Christ Episcopal Church, Green Bay. Margaret preceded him in death on October 24, 2010. Mr. Cowles had an interesting and storied life in Northeast Wisconsin. Professionally, he worked as a mechanical engineer his entire life. When James River bought out Northern Paper Co. (American Can), the engineers decided to set up their own company, rather than move to New Jersey. They formed Marathon Engineering and Bob was one of the original owners and served as Secretary-Treasurer for many years, retiring in 1986. He was a longtime member of PEMA, the papermakers association. He was a member of several local business boards, including Green Bay Structural Steel. Bob�(TM)s civic contributions involved his membership and past presidency in the Allouez Optimist Club, Allouez School Board, and Allouez Historical Society. Bob was an original Green Bay Packer shareholder and avid fan for many decades. Beginning with his mother, Emily, the family has shared a passion for the Green Bay YWCA, which Bob shared and nurtured. He was a long-time member of the YWCA Board of Advisors. His hobbies were many and varied and include stamp collecting and model airplane hobbyist. He held the world speed record in two classes of tethered model airplanes and was a leading U.S. importer of Rossi Engines. He was a longstanding member of the Academy of Model Airplane Association as well as MECCA. Bob was a Fifty Year Member of the Sports Car Club of America and the Packard Car Club of Wisconsin. He played an integral role in the development of Road America in Elkhart Lake. Bob was on the original Board of Directors and served as Secretary of the Corporation for many years. He collected antique cars over the years, including his family�(TM)s Lincoln Continental. Mr. Cowles was instrumental in the founding of and fund-raising for the Green Bay Railroad Museum and was past president of the Railroad Museum Association. Bob and Margaret loved their time spent on Marco Island in Florida and at Horseshoe Bay in Door County. He was a member of the Door County Land Trust as well as the Door County Property Owner�(TM)s Association. Bob and Margaret were long-time members of the Green Bay Square-dance Club as well as an original member of the Green Bay Curling Club. Survivors include his children Sen. Robert L. Cowles, Allouez, James G. and Sharon Cowles, Suamico, David F. and Lisa Cowles, De Pere, grandchildren, Kelly and Robert and Emily Cowles, step-grandchildren, Jon and Katie, as well as nieces and nephews, Mike and Steve Hutson, Frank M. Cowles, Jr., Sarah Cowles-Krone, Catherine Fischer, Laura Fisher and Jennifer Lupes, as well as a brother-in-law, Raymond Hutson, and a sister-in-law, Sally Pratt Cowles. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Emery Cowles, Frank M. Cowles, and one sister, Emily Hutson. Family and friends may call at RYAN FUNERAL HOME 305 North Tenth Street, De Pere from 5:00 to 8:00 pm Monday, October 3, 2011. Visitation will continue at St. Anne�(TM)s Episcopal Church 347 So. Libal Street De Pere from 10:00 to 11:00 am Tuesday. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am Tuesday at the church with the Father Eric Mills, officiating. Full Military Rites will follow the funeral service at church. Entombment to follow in Allouez Mausoleum. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Cowles family. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund has been established for the Green Bay YWCA 230 South Madison Avenue, Green Bay, WI 54301.