Robert Joseph Dourlain

Robert Joseph Dourlain, affectionately known as Bob to his friends and family passed away peacefully on February 23, 2025, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin after a long courageous battle with lymphoma.  Bob was born on May 12, 1948, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Lionel and Mary Dourlain.  He grew up with his siblings Richard (Gail), Diane (Chris) Anderson, Arlene Horner and his late brother Steve.  He was married to Debra L. Dourlain, and together they raised a family that included children, grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Bob’s life was a testament to his analytical mind, courageous spirit, and passionate heart.

After high school he served in the Navy as a Marine Medic from 1966 to 1968.  At Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Bob earned his BS degree with a focus on chemistry and biology while competing as a gymnast.  As he was working, he furthered his education at Lewis University and obtained a master’s degree in finance with an emphasis on chemical engineering.

Bob’s professional life was marked by innovation and problem-solving skills.  His first postgraduate role involved mixing perfumes at a cosmetics company in Illinois, designing new processes to enhance efficiency.  These skills led him to a position as a process engineer at US Chemical in Watertown, Wisconsin and eventually as the plant manager.

In 1997 Bob made his dedication to Jehovah public with his baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Outside of work, Bob was a man of many interests.  His involvement in numerous construction and maintenance projects on Kingdom Halls and the Janesville Assembly Hall gave him the opportunity to make many new friends and enhance his skills.  He was an enthusiastic woodworker, golfer, biker, and jewelry maker.  He loved gardening, playing cards, traveling, and walking along the beach searching for shells and shark teeth.  Above all, Bob cherished the time spent engaging with others about his faith in Jehovah and the hope for a paradise earth.

The family would like to thank the entire Rainbow Hospice team and the doctors, nurses and staff at the Madison VA hospital and clinics for their exceptional care and compassion.  Services will be conducted at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, W6185 Hackbarth Road, Fort Atkinson, WI on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, with visitation at 6 p.m. and memorial program at 7 p.m.

Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

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