Robert F. “Red” Amenda, age 79 of rural Darlington, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017 at his home. He was born Nov. 11, 1937 in Darlington the son of Sylvan and Viola (Wells) Amenda. Red graduated from Darlington High School in 1956, and then was drafted into the United States Army in 1957. He served in the Army where he spent most of his time in Germany until 1959 when he was honorably discharged. After he returned from the Army, Red was united in marriage to Nancy Ubersox on Aug. 6, 1960 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. Red lived in Darlington his entire life where he raised his family and owned and operated R.F. Amenda Construction.
Red is survived by his loving wife Nancy at home; two daughters: Debra (David) Sleep and Amy (Tony) Wiegel; four grandchildren: Ashley (Ryan) Weiskircher, Joey (Sara) Wiegel, Megan (Aaron) Kupferschmid, Hanna Sleep; and four great-grandchildren: Rucker and Macton Weiskircher, and Adeline and William Kupferschmid. He was preceded in death by his parents: Sylvan and Viola Amenda; and one sister: Sylvia Amenda.
Red was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church a branch of Our Lady of Fatima Parish and Jaycees. He enjoyed coffee with friends, and spending afternoons playing yass. Red loved to spend time outdoors fishing, hunting, and trapping and took particular interest in goose hunting in the Horicon Marsh. He was a dedicated Darlington Redbird fan and was a huge supporter of all athletics. Above all, Red cherished his family and the memories they created together. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends and especially his beloved dog Smokie.
A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (104 E. Harriet Street, Darlington) with Rev. Joji Reddy officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery where military graveside rites will be accorded by Bates-O’Brien-Howe-Wiegel-Roelli American Legion Post #214 of Darlington. A visitation will be held Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at the church. The Steil-Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Red’s name.