Robert "Bob" G. Gallinger

A gentle-spirited man whose hard-working yet quiet, kind demeanor was endearing to all who met him, Robert (Bob) George Gallinger left his earthly home and joined Jesus at his heavenly home on Saturday, January 17, 2026, after a brief battle with pneumonia. Bob was born on February 8, 1935, to Gordon and Jeanette (Rohrbeck) Gallinger.

Bob was raised on the Vinland Street family farm (a farm that was built by his own Great Grandfather in 1883) and spent 30+ years of his adult life as an employee of Rockwell International.

When the Korean War was winding down, Bob was called to serve. Family didn't realize until a few years back that his role while there was as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist! He further shared he never had concern for his safety while performing those duties.

Bob was honored to have flown to Washington DC on an Old Glory Honor Flight, as well as being chosen as one of 50 Wisconsin Korean War Veterans to be flown to South Korea for a week in a once-in-a-lifetime Old Glory Honor Flight in 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic broke out and that extraordinary flight planned with his grandson was canceled.

Bob was also a private pilot and one exam away from becoming a commercial pilot. His 1941 Piper Cub was previously owned by the famous Steve Wittman and served as one of Steve's training planes; the Cub was Bob's pride and joy. When the tornado of 1974 hit the farm and severely damaged his Cub, he spent months rebuilding it in his home garage. His passion was giving rides, taking off from the family property's airfield. Bob piloted his plane until two years ago when painful back issues prevented him from flying.

Following retirement, Bob thought it was time to fulfill his dream of building a campground on the family property. In 1994, Hickory Oaks Campground came to fruition. Bob's strong work ethic and support from his brother and co-owner, Chuck, kept him busy with the campground seven days per week, all year round. Bob developed this little bit of wooded heaven into a successful, serene locale for those coming to the area for special events, as well as snowbirds wanting to stay during the campground season.

Bob's favorite time of year was the annual EAA AirVenture where as many as a dozen or more Cub Crafter pilots flew into the campground for the week to display their aircraft to interested EAA member parties.

Bob married Dorothy Mae Marsh on the Fourth of July, 1959. It was told (tongue in cheek) wedding guests threw firecrackers instead of rice following the ceremony!

Survivors include his daughter Kathryn (Fred) Glander, son Mark, son Michael (former daughter-in-law, Tamara); brother Chuck; grandchildren - Nathan (Mariam Mian), Alissa (Adam Streblow), Connor, and Kylee; three great-grandchildren - Arya, Adalyn, and Nadya; and niece Candice Marsh Luebke.

In addition to his parents, Bob was proceeded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and his sister, Donna Lee Kott.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Aurora Medical Center's compassionate and caring second floor staff, as well as Cindy from Aurora Hospice. Though he and his family's time in Room 227 was short, it's important this special group of angels be commended for the remarkable impact they had on Bob and family; they will be forever thankful for the sensitivity and tears shared.

A private memorial service will be held later this year. As was Bob's wish, the family requests memorial gifts in his name be sent to Valley Christian School Building Fund, 3450 Vinland St, Oshkosh, WI 54901. Bob was a faithful supporter of the Bible-based education Valley Christian provided.

"I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live as if there isn't, and die to find out that there is..." --Albert Camus

John 16:22 - Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.