Robert Earl Deer

OREGON - Robert Earl Deer was born on July 8, 1944, to Joseph Deer Sr. and Constance Stockton Wood Deer. The fourth of six children, he was raised on the banks of the Wolf River on the Menominee Reservation of Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received masters' degrees in water resources management and urban and regional planning. In 1966, he met the love of his life, Virginia Stein, and they were married in 1967. Robert served in the Armed Forces as a first lieutenant in the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1971. Upon his return, he worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, serving the State of Wisconsin, his indigenous land and people, for 21 years. Concurrently, he maintained a strong commitment to his Menominee Tribe of Indians where he served as a board member and president of Menominee Tribal Enterprises, as well as a three-term legislator for the Tribe. Professionally, Robert was known for his work ethic, kindness, a strong sense of honor, and obligation to his Tribe. Informally, "Bob" was well known for his rollicking sense of humor, humility, quiet strength, sense of adventure, and for making a mean pot of chili. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed walks in the woods, hunting and fishing, motorcycling, traveling, and spending family time (which included an extended network of good friends and neighbors). Robert passed away peacefully and surrounded by the love of his family on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27, 2014, after a brave battle with esophageal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Stein); children, Robert J. (Kathy) and Melissa E.H. Deer; grandchildren, Andrea, Robert, Alissa, and Alexandra Deer; great-grandson, EJ Raigoza; his brother, Joseph Deer; sisters, Ada, Ferial, Connie Deer, and Carol Jones; numerous nieces and nephews; and by a number of wonderful friends. Robert is walking the Spirit Trail in peace with his loved ones. His life will be celebrated next summer on the Deer Family property on the Menominee Reservation with an honor ceremony, Veteran's salute and burial on July 11, 2015. A special thank you is extended to all who visited with Bob in his last days at the William S. Middleton VA Hospital in Madison, the dedicated and respectful staff of the VA hospital and clinics, and all the wonderful friends and neighbors who helped Bob and Ginni in the last year of his life whenever and however help was needed. Beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend-you have made an indelible mark on our lives, and you will be alive in our hearts forever.