Robert (Bob) Milford Cruse, age 80, passed away peacefully August 15, 2024, at UW Health University Hospital, Madison WI after a short illness. He was born on January 28, 1944, in Illinois, the son of the late Milford Lee and Margery Ruth (Gardner) Cruse.

He graduated from Franklin Grove High School, attended Carthage College, and received his BS in chemistry from Northern Illinois and his MS in chemistry from University of Wisconsin, Superior.

His passions were photography, old cars, midget racing, go carts, fishing, playing bingo and poker. He enjoyed watching the drag racing in Byron Illinois. He spent many years taking photos of race cars at several racetracks in WI for midgets, sprint cars, world of outlaw and go carts. He took many fishing trips to Canada with his children, grandsons and other family members. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They brought great joy to him. He was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Sauk City.

He married Donna Henricks in Mount Morris, Illinois on July 16, 1967.

He was employed as a photographer for Dixon Evening Telegraph – Dixon IL, Chemistry teacher at Amboy High School – Amboy IL, Chemistry teacher at Lake Mills High School, track and cross country coach at Lake Mills High School – Lake Mills WI, Auto sales at Russ Darrow, Smart Motors – both in Madison WI and Managed Gilly's Auto Sales-later purchased Gilly's and changed the name to BC Wheels in Wyocena WI, owner of BC Wheels until retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Donna, children, Robin (Todd Stark) Cruse Alt, Micki Cruse, Brian (Jennifer) Cruse; grandchildren, Heather (Jacob) Tiechroew, Katie (Scott) Keller, Joshua (Chantel Jesus Ellis) Alt, Zachary Cruse, Mickenzie Cruse, Brookelyn Cruse and great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Olivia, and Zooey Tiechroew, Kyrie, Olivia, Bella, and Michael Keller.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.

A celebration of life and lunch will be held from 1pm until 4pm March 1, 2025, at Angell Park Speedway, Pavilion at 315 Park Street Post, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, Memorials can be sent to the family at N750 Golf Rd, Lot #17 Prairie du Sac, WI 53578. The family will decide a program to donate to at a later time.