Robert J. “Bob” Setzer, age 93 of Hudson, WI, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 25, 2022. Bob was born on May 15, 1929 in St. Paul, MN the youngest of three sons of Dr. Hobert and Ruth (Snell) Setzer. He graduated from University High School in St. Paul with the class of 1947 and then served as a U.S. Navy Reservist. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy where he studied for five years graduating first in his class. He and Kathy Comfort were married on June 18, 1954 and were blessed with three daughters: Betsy, Robin, and Jenny. In 1956, Bob along with his brother George, opened, owned and operated Setzer Pharmacy where he worked for the next 40 years.

Throughout his career Bob had many achievements and in 1993 received the State of Minnesota Pharmacist of the Year Award. He served as a State District Representative on the Minnesota State Pharmaceutical Association Board of Directors, was President of the University of Minnesota Pharmacy Alumni Association and served as President of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy Century Mortar Club. He was an active member and on the Board of the Rice St. Chamber of Commerce for nearly four decades. Bob was also an Elder at First Presbyterian Church of Hudson, helping to guide the church’s growth and direction.

Bob truly adored his family and was proud to be called, “Opa”, “Bob”, “Dad”. He was fond of the many friendships he built with employees, associates and customers he served through his career. Bob’s love of outdoors and nature was only surpassed by his adoration of the seven dogs that followed him with loyalty and love. His expertise in outdoorsmanship began at an early age with fly fishing and hunting with his father and brothers, and continued with his passion for skiing, sailing, canoeing, water skiing, camping and traveling to each of the seven Continents, including dogsledding to The North Pole when he was 70 years old!

His passion for nature conservation began with his parents support of the Issak Walton League and lead him to find a local outlet to support in The Carptenter Nature Center. He indulged his passion by being a long term Board Member and supporter including his engagement and vision for the new Wisconsin Campus.

Bob will remain in the hearts of his wife of 68 years, Kathy, daughters, Betsy (Bruce) Olson, Robin (Jim) Friedlander, Jenny (Bill) Bowman and seven grandchildren: Laura (Evan) Kutny, Ellen (Rob) Hill, Annie (Frank) McGinn, Jen (Sam) Seehof, Katie Friedlander (Andrew Torman), RJ Bowman and Ella Bowman (Drew Osterhues), seven great-grandchildren: Mallory, Madeline, Rhett, Molly, Lucy, Clara, Sloane and another baby girl on the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his brothers George and Hobert.

A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 9, 2022 at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson, WI. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Bob’s service will be livestreamed, (link to Livestream will be added).

Memorials are preferred to the Carpenter Nature Center, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, or the First Presbyterian Church of Hudson.