Robby K. "Gumby" Roseff

Robby K. “Gumby” Roseff, age 62 of Manitowoc, passed away Thursday evening, August 31, 2023, at his residence with his loving family at his side following a courageous battle with cancer.

Rob was born on April 23, 1961, in Manitowoc, son of the late David and Fern (Cherney) Roseff. He attended schools in Manitowoc, graduating with the class of 1979 from Manitowoc Lincoln High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. On June 3, 1988 Rob married the former Denise Recore at St. Wendel Catholic Church in Cleveland. He worked in Beverage Sales for Triangle Distributing. In 2011, Rob was diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer and retired in 2015 due to his disability.

He was a coach and Board of Directors member for the Manitowoc Chiefs Youth Football Club, member of the Manitowoc Aquatic Center planning committee, a core member of the Lakeshore Weekend for Kids committee (benefiting Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin) for more than 20 years, and a House Chairman for Heart-A-Rama for 30 years, and was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish.

Rob was a founder and president of Gumby’s Club Fore a Cure, forming a committee (who are really a close group of friends) of more than forty members “who get it” and understand what it means to have your life affected by cancer. Rob didn’t just want to help people with monetary support, he openly offered his phone number, and in return, received many calls from people who were struggling with their cancer diagnosis. He always took the time to listen, give advice, and do his best to counsel people along their cancer journey.

In 2019, Rob was awarded the Harmony Award by the Clipper City Chordsmen. He was recognized by the Milwaukee Brewers for their Community Achievers Award and was able to throw out the first pitch at the Brewers vs. Braves game. He and Denise were awarded the City of Manitowoc Volunteers of the Year Award (receiving the Key to the City from Mayor Justin Nickels), and they were the parade marshals for the Manitowoc Holiday Parade.

In 2021, Rob and Denise received the prestigious Joseph P. Schmitt “Speak Up’ Award from the Chamber of Manitowoc County. Rob was inducted into the Lakeshore All Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

Rob loved convertible rides with his wife Denise and their dog Vallee, and golfing as much as he could. He enjoyed his time announcing local high school sporting events with Damon Ryan and the crew on WOMT. He also enjoyed announcing basketball games for UW-Manitowoc, and was a scorekeeper for Silver Lake College mens & womens basketball. Although he could no longer play softball, he could not wait to announce games during the annual Kenny’s Softball Tournament. After his medical disability, he found a way to still be involved in tavern life and he had fun “consulting” on new business ventures with Craig Pautz at Tapped on the Lakeshore and Brennan Seehafer at The Wharf.

Rob had a friendly disposition and a fine sense of humor, he shared his time freely without complaint, and in the process helped many people and enriched many of our lives.

Rob is survived by his wife: Denise Roseff, Manitowoc; two sons: Keith Roseff, De Pere, David Roseff, Manitowoc; one brother and sister-in-law: Randy (Nadine) Borngraeber, Cedar Rapids, IA; mother-in-law: Ursula Recore, Whitelaw; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law include: Lloyd Recore Jr. (Mary Stadler), Kellnersville, Michelle (Troy) Evenson, Valders, Stephen Recore, Whitelaw; nieces and nephews include: Irene Borngraeber (John Heinis), Dan (Macy) Borngraeber, Ashley Recore (Randy Schmitz), Amanda Recore (Travis Otero), Theresa (Ian) Schmidt, Christopher Evenson (Kayra Warne), Austin (Melanie) Recore, Brandon Recore (Maddy Duggan); his furry companion: Vallee; Gumby’s Committee Members; all his golf league buddies; life-long and special friends and relatives also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: David and Fern Roseff; father-in-law: Lloyd Recore Sr.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc. Rev. Doug LeCaptain and Rev. Jose Lopez will concelebrate the Mass of Christian Burial with burial to follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM and again on Saturday from 9:00 AM until 10:45 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rob’s name can be made to Gumby’s Club Fore A Cure or the Manitowoc Chiefs Youth Football Club.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home, Manitowoc location is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

Rob’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, especially Dr. Brian Costello, Green Bay Oncology nurses and staff including Dr Matthew Ryan, Dr Michael Hoffman with Bellin Health, the nurses and staff of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, and all Rob’s friends and family who helped comfort him in his final weeks.

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