Robert Downey

Robert "Bobby Jet" Downey Robert Edward (Bob) Downey died peacefully in the loving embrace of his family on November 19. He is survived by Janice (nee Fuchs), his wife of 57 years; children Michael (Mary) Downey, Ann Downey, Jean (James) Jones and Kathy (Dan) Shea; grandchildren Jack, Marie and Caroline Downey; Matthew, Daniel and Christina Jones; Ryan, Johnny and Sarah Shea; and numerous relatives and friends. Bob was a humble man whose gentle spirit and kindness knew no bounds. He was born on a farm in Mackville, WI, an unincorporated town near Appleton, on April 6, 1929. The youngest of six children of William and Mary Downey, Bob lost his father when he was only thirteen years old, and by then he had developed a strong Catholic faith that never left him. Bob eagerly followed the events of World War II, developing an early appreciation for the military, particularly aviation. After graduating from Marquette University, he joined the US Navy, earning his wings as a jet pilot flying his beloved Skyhawks and Cutlasses. He was given the nickname "Bobby Jet" after doing a low-altitude flyover of his hometown Mackville while the residents were leaving church. Bob was extremely proud of being a "tailhooker" and spent 21 years (mostly Reserve) in the service. Bob earned his Master's degree in finance from UW Madison and began a long career in human resources at Babcock and Wilcox, Grede Foundries, and MRA where he served as a consultant. After retirement, Bob volunteered for the Citizens Democracy Corps and moved to the newly created Czech Republic to help a company in Vrchlabi convert to a free-market economy following the break-up of the Soviet bloc in the early 1990s. He often spoke of his enjoyment of being the "hired gun" for struggling corporations. At his core, he was a problem-solver and a mediator, who genuinely cared about both sides in any dispute. Bob's retirement years were filled with his favorite activities: golfing, reading, travelling, and spending time with family. He and Jan traveled all around Europe, Turkey, Guatemala, Israel, Mexico and many other places. He had a love of history, and family vacations around the United States always involved historic sites, especially related to the Civil War. His favorite spot was his condo in Door County, where Bob and Jan started a tradition of family Thanksgivings for all 18 members of his immediate family, with relatives and friends welcome as well. Bob and Jan had a particular affinity for the Missionary Fraternity of Mary in Guatemala. They visited the seminary several times and hosted many seminarians and priests in their homes, as the beloved guests sought to learn English. Bob always enjoyed their company, despite his own non-existent grasp of Spanish. His generosity and good humor somehow always bridged the gap. An incredibly loving husband, dad, and grandpa, Bob is remembered by his family for his warmth, welcoming nature, sense of humor, humility, sagacity and faith. He had a gift for listening and could break down problems in a way that made solutions seem simple. He is already greatly missed. Bob was preceded in death by his parents William and Mary, brothers Willard (Phyllis), Herbert (Selma) and John (Rosemary), sisters Mildred (Albert) Schaal and Florence (Tom) Fieldler, inlaws Jacob and Helen Fuchs, Gerald Fuchs, Gordon Fuchs, Daniel Fuchs, Judy Elflein and Patricia Cologne. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM at Lumen Christi parish in Mequon, WI with a funeral mass following at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make donations to the Missionary Fraternity of Mary, 124 W. Freistadt Road, P.O. Box 94, Thiensville, WI 53092, or  https://missionaryfraternityofmary.org/donate-now/  Thank you.