Robert Boyd Olmsted passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2009 at the age of 84. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandpa. Robert was born on June 20, 1925, to the late Arthur and Evelyn (Nolan) Olmsted, in Marinette, WI. He married the love of his life, Joyce (Ronsmans), on August 17, 1946 and they would have celebrated their 63rd anniversary this year. Bob attended Irwin Grade School where he excelled in sports winning the 8th grade championship. He also attended Nicolet High School and played for the West De Pere Black Phantoms. Bob Olmsted served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1945, commissioned to the USS LeSuth and USS Portor in the Aleutian Islands in the South Pacific. He was very proud of his military career and considered it a great honor to have served his country. He was employed at Nicolet Paper Company for 38 years and enjoyed being a member of the Quarter Century Club. Bob enjoyed the Green Bay Packers, the Milwaukee Brewers and growing beautiful irises and roses. He was truly the rock, the foundation, to both his immediate and extended family. He never gave up and he showed us all what you can accomplish with determination, especially after becoming a double amputee in 2004. He loved to putter in the garage and could fix anything with duct tape! Robert is survived by his wife Joyce and their five children; Francine Christensen, Sandra Sullivan, Bob (LuAnn Christensen), Tom (Sue), and Jim. He is further survived by grandchildren, Kim (Roger) Haslitt, Kelly Christensen, Krina Christensen, Mikal Sullivan, Shaun Sullivan, Corey (Jessica) Olmsted and great grandchildren Adrian, Morgan Joy, Kody, Austin, Derrion Marie, Electra, Jackson, Falling Star, Taylor, Bailey and a baby due in July. He is survived by his sister Betty Bartell, sisters-in-law Dorothy Carpenter, Virginia Ronsmans, Rosalind Ronsmans, brother-in-law Jack Ronsmans, many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur Olmsted, and Evelyn Miller (Mother), his step father Stanley Miller, three brothers, Raymond, John and Arthur Jr., one sister Marian, also sisters-in-law Jeanne Olmsted, Marion Mielke, Patricia Ronsmans, brothers-in-law Edward Bartell, Cletus Ronsmans, Bernard Ronsmans, Gordon Carpenter, Robert Mielke. Also preceded in death by a grand daughter-in-law JoAnne Sullivan. The family would like to thank the De Pere Fire and Rescue Squad, St Vincent's 9th floor staff, everyone at the Jack and Engrid Meng Residence, all Unity Hospice folks, and our good friend and "third sister" Jean Horgan. In addition the family extends a special thank you to all the wonderful doctors and nurses. Words cannot express our gratitude for your professionalism and thoughtfulness during this difficult time. The care extended to our father could not have been better. Friends may call at RYAN FUNERAL HOME305 N. Tenth St. De Pere, from 3:00PM to 7:00PM on Thursday July 2, 2009. Funeral service will follow at 7:00PM at the funeral home, with luncheon at The Sports Corner. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Olmsted family. The family request memorials in lieu of other expressions of sympathy.