Robert C. Shippee

Robert "Bob" C. Shippee, age 87 of Oshkosh, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Evergreen Retirement Community in Oshkosh. He was born in Watertown, NY on January 4, 1939, to the late Carl and Geraldine (Dawley) Shippee.

After graduating from Watertown High School, Bob went on to honorably serve in the United States Air Force as a jet mechanic. During his time in the service, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Jean Peerenboom, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Following his service, Bob returned with Bonnie to her hometown of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where they were married in 1962. Together, they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage, raising their three children; Todd, Ty, and Tina, which later grew into a loving family of six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren whom they adored.

Professionally, Bob dedicated over 37 years to Rockwell International in Oshkosh, where he worked until his retirement in 1999. Beyond his career, he was deeply involved in the Oshkosh community, serving as president of the Oshkosh West Booster Club, devoted Oshkosh West High School sports fan, and volunteering as a docent at EAA for more than 15 years.

Bob had an endless array of hobbies and passions. He loved fixing things around the house and at the cottage in Neshkoro, WI., woodworking, and coin collecting. He enjoyed watching all the Wisconsin sports teams, golfing and playing dominos with friends, and his knowledge of boat motors, trains, and airplanes was truly impressive. He also took great pride in his presidential button collection, so much so that the Northwestern once nicknamed him "Button Bob" when he was photographed sharing it with his grandchild's classroom.

Throughout his life, the most important thing to Bob was his family. He spent countless hours loving, teaching, being present in every moment, and sharing bits of wisdom - things we didn't always realize we needed at the time but now cherish deeply.

He was the kind of man anyone would be grateful to have as a son, sibling, spouse, father, in-law, uncle, grandpa, or great-grandfather (or, as the littles lovingly called him, simply "Bob"). His impact on all of them is immeasurable, and he will be undeniably missed.

Bob is survived by his children Todd (Patti) Shippee, Ty (Marilou) Shippee, and Tina (Ray) Reinders; six grandchildren: Jennifer (Adam) Malarick, Jacob (Christina) Reinders, Emily (Charles) Rockefeller, Abigail Shippee, Megan (Damon) McHugh, Josh Shippee; eight great-grandchildren: Jensen, Adler, Rowen, Jack, Amber, Alison, Miles, and Paulina; sister, Mary Ann Barry; niece, Donna Barry; and nephew, Mark (Maryann) Barry.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie, brother-in-law, Eddie Barry and niece, Susan Hatchell.

A graveside service for Bob will be held in Ellenwood Cemetery on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11AM. Military Honors will take place following the service.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Evergreen Retirement Community and Ascension Mercy Hospital for the kind and compassionate care provided over these past few months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Bob's honor.