Robert James Risley (Rob) passed away peacefully with family at his side at Menomonee Falls Community Hospital on October 1, 2021 following a heart attack. He was born on February 3, 1955 to the late Robert James Risley and Betty(Moeller) Risley.

Rob was a member of the Wisconsin National Guard for 26 years serving with the 13th EVAC Hospital. His unit was called up in 1990 and deployed in January 1991 to Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War. .His daughter Kari was just 18 months old and daughter Emma was 4 when he was deployed,

In his role as Sergeant he oversaw the deployment of the 400 bed mobile hospital from Fort McCoy to the desert site in Saudi, which he and other members of his unit referred to as the "big sandbox." Kathi learned after Rob returned home that the hospital was the front for a short time until troops arrived.

The 13th provided medical care for US troops and Iraqi soldiers during the war which lasted a blessedly short seven months. The 13th arrived safely at Volk Field at Camp Douglas in May 1991 where friends and family welcomed them home.

Rob's time in the military gave him purpose. After returning from Saudi the13th provided monthly medical and dental care (Guard Care) to different communities around the state.

Rob was a Mr. Mom before it was a thing. Kathi worked an overnight shift at WISC-TV in Madison when the girls were in middle school. Rob was the parent on call. He drove Emma to riding lessons and both girls to swim and soccer practice.

Rob was an avid hunter in his younger days. He enjoyed being outdoors in the fall whether he saw a deer or not. He took the family on many hikes throughout the area near Sauk Prairie.

He had an incredible sense of direction, only needing to go somewhere once to always remember the way back.

Rob could never resist using corny puns or old jokes, an endearing quality he learned from his dad. During the last few weeks of his life, even though he was in constant pain, he would wake up singing some song from the 60's or 70's. He had an amazing memory for lyrics.

Rob is survived by his wife of 35 years, Kathi; daughters, Emma Risley and Kari (Tom) Fox; his mother, Betty: siblings, Terri (John) Dzialo and brother Eric (Nancy). He is further survived by Kathi's family, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who miss him greatly.

Rob was preceded in death by his father (Riz), his grandparents and his aunt Jean.

A celebration of his life is planned for a later date.