He joins in heaven his loving wife of 70 years, Gertrude and his parents, Peter and Agnes Pigeon and nine of his brothers and sisters: Ray, Norman (Catherine), Sister Marie, Cecelia, Mildred, Elenore (Tom Phillips), Jim (Helen), Clement, and Kathleen. Bob grew up on the north side of Green Bay, attending Sts Peter and Paul grade school and graduating from East High School in 1933. When his father died the summer after his senior year of high school, he put aside his personal dreams of possibly playing professional baseball or attending college to take over his father's job at Charmin Paper Company. With the help of his older brothers he supported his mom and younger siblings until they were grown. He did this until joining the Army in 1942. After a year of service he was honorably discharged from the Army because of hearing loss. Hoping to serve longer, he applied to the Department of Defense to train Passenger Pigeons for the war effort given his experience with training homing pigeons, but was not granted that opportunity. Returning home he began a career as a truck driver for Mrs. Drenks Foods and then becoming an insurance agent for Loyal Protective Life Insurance Company. When that company dissolved he became an independent insurance agent. His easy going, friendly approach to people suited him well to his profession. "You just have to learn to roll with the punches and not get too upset when things don't go your way, just find another way". Maybe it was this attitude that helped him reach 100 years of age. In 1944 he married Gertrude Siudzinski at St. Mary of the Angels Parish and together they raised three wildly independent daughters. He instilled in his daughters and grandsons the need for learning and education and the value of hard work and the love of God. Bob had a second family, his homing pigeons. He began raising birds as a ten year old boy and was active in North Side Pigeon Club throughout his life. He raised and raced many championship birds and was very proud of his numerous awards and trophies. He was always willing to show his flock to neighborhood children, encouraging them in the sport. His other hobbies included playing dart ball, belonging to both the Catholic and the Protestant Leagues, cultivating a garden each year of tomatoes, beans, and burp less cucumbers. He also enjoyed fishing from the docks at Legend Lake, playing cards, and watching a good baseball game. He always said he was less interested in supporting a specific team and more interested in seeing a good contest. Bob was very proud of his Belgian and German immigrant grandparents and seemed to understand the challenges of all immigrants. He was dedicated to volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul, which he did weekly for more than 34 years. He had a real commitment to helping those who were less fortunate. Additionally, he was active in the Men's Club at St. Mary of the Angels Parish, organizing the yearly Dart Ball Tournament for many years. He also ushered at weekend Masses for more than 50 years. As head of ushers, he was honored to welcome Senator John F. Kennedy to St. Mary's Parish during one of his campaign stops in 1959. Bob leaves with his family and friends a legacy of deep faith in God. He began and ended each day with prayer. The thought of reaching 100 years of age was nice he said, but not all that important, "Because after all, when the Good Lord calls I'll have to go". Until then I'll just try to live each day as well as possible. They say Dad died of complications of heart failure but somehow that did not seem correct. His heart was strong and full of love and care for his family, his community, for those who were less fortunate and for his God. He will be so missed by his daughters: Mary Jo Fonstad (Douglas), Barbara Pigeon, and Sue Gilson and by his grandson Paul Gilson (Diane) and great grandsons Anthony, Kyan, and Evan Gilson. Bob was preceded in death by his son-in-law Douglas and many sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is survived by his sister Rita Martell and brother-in-law Norbert Siudzinski and sister-in-law Irene Boutott. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, 645 S. Irwin St, Green Bay, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Jim Feely officiating. Entombment will be in Allouez Catholic Mausoleum. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Pigeon family. Our family wishes to thank Dr. Paul Schmitz of the Internal Medicine Department at Prevea East for his continuing care and healing support given to Dad over the last nine years. We are especially grateful for your care and attention given in the last weeks of Dad's life. Many thanks also to the amazing staff at Prevea Internal Medicine Clinic. Your kindness is exceptional. We must thank the 3rd floor staff at St. Mary Hospital and especially to the Hospitalist, Dr. Ken Hujet and Dr. Todd Gallion, your kindness will always be remembered. When we had to cancel Dad's 100th birthday celebration, people blanketed his mailbox with notes and messages of support and prayers and cards with birthday wishes. We thank all who sent these messages. They brought Dad such happiness and joy. Lastly, we must thank Ed Fowles and all the people at Machine Service, Inc. for all the calls, visits, gifts, and friendship. Thank you for making him a part of your family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to benefit Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1529 Leo Frigo Way, Green Bay, WI 54302.