Robert J. Buchholz, 79, of Ladysmith peacefully passed away following a short illness on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Ladysmith Care Community. He was born on December 1, 1936 in Ladysmith to Dutch and Nellie Buchholz. Rob married Pat Christianson on June 7, 1958 at Hope Lutheran Church in Ladysmith. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Pat Buchholz of 57 years who passed away in April 2016.

Rob graduated from Ladysmith High School and served in the U.S. Navy for just under two years. After working briefly as a salesman for the Doboy Feed Company, he went to work for his dad at Buchholz Feed Store in Ladysmith and Bruce. In 1975, Rob took over the feed mill as the third generation owner and retired in 2000 handing the keys over to his son, Mark, the fourth generation owner. Rob continued his involvement in the family business well after his retirement. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, Kiwanis, Jaycees and Exhausted Roosters (retired Jaycees). He enjoyed working in his yard and garden, poker club with friends, spending time with his family at home, hunting in the Blue Hills and relaxing at Boot Lake. Rob will be greatly missed by friends, family and others in the Ladysmith community that he so dearly loved.

He is survived by his 3 sons; Brian & Jackie Buchholz of Eau Claire and their 2 children; Samantha (Scott) Lang of Stillwater, MN and Kelsey Buchholz and fiancé Dean Eisold of St. Louis Park, MN, Mark & Colleen Buchholz of Ladysmith and their 2 children; DJ and Jill and Rick and MaryBeth Buchholz of Hudson, WI and their 4 children; Becca, Jackson, Blake and Jace and 1 sister; Rae (Norm) Hansen of Green Bay.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday, September 15 at Hope Lutheran Church with Rev. Dwight Hanson officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Ladysmith. Rob's family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time on Thursday at the church.

Memorials can be given in the name of Hope Lutheran Church or the Wildlife Restoration Association.