Robert J. Vorpahl, 89, of Eau Claire, passed away Friday, June 12, 2009, at Wissota Health in Chippewa Falls after a courageous battle with prostate cancer while under hospice care.Robert was born on January 18, 1920 in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Reinhold and Elizabeth (Brost) Vorpahl.In the winter of 1946, Bob went on a blind date with the woman who turned out to be the love of his life, Leone Bahrke. Bob&Lee were married on September 13, 1947 in Milwaukee, WI.Bob worked at Harley Davidson in Milwaukee. After his discharge from the Coast Guard in 1946, Bob worked for the IRS, and moved to Eau Claire in 1954. Bob went to work for First Federal Savings and Loan, and retired Vice President in January 1982.Bob was a member of First Lutheran Church, charter member and past president of the Eau Claire Optimist Club, a member of American Legion Post #53, Boy Scout leader, and President and Commissioner of Eau Claire Little League Baseball for 14 years. After retirement, Bob and Lee spent 20 years wintering in Chandler, AZ, where the Milwaukee Brewers held their spring training camp. Bob enjoyed going to the ball park daily and had the opportunity to meet players. Bob was an avid Packer fan, and loved gardening. Bob and Lee also enjoyed traveling to Europe, Hawaii, Japan, and took a cruise to Alaska. Bob was a participant in the Buckshot Run every year until he was 83.Robert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Leone; six children, Robert (Beth), John, Richard (Ann), Jeffrey (Sue), Thomas (Julie), Jean (Jim) Allie; seventeen grandchildren, Stephanie, David, Sera, Ellen, Steve, Mike, Mary, Danny, Brian, Mark, Kelly, Carrie, Elizabeth, Robert, Kaitlin, Sam&Malissa one great-grandchild, Isaiah; and a brother, Bill (Dorothy).He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Bette Champion.\r\nBob's family would like to thank Dr. Sandeep Basu and the Oncology staff at Midelfort Clinic, for their exceptional care during his treatment. \r\nMemorial Services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, with Pastor Lowell H. Halvorson officiating. Private family burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. Family and friends may call two hours prior to services at the church. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.\r\n

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