"I don't trust people who don't like dogs. However, I trust dogs who don't like people."

Robert Howard Bornstein — salesman, Lion, bartender, husband, father, son, brother, friend, dog lover, and serial butt-dialer — passed away on October 16, 2025, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 61 years old, but Bob would insist that he looked "pretty damn good for his age."

Born on July 15, 1964, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, Bob graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 1987 with a degree in Communications — an apt choice for someone who never met a stranger and could talk his way into (and occasionally out of) just about anything.

A natural salesman and people-person, Bob started his career as a golf caddy, learning the art of persuasion and "salty talk" from golfers who tipped well if you laughed at their jokes. He went on to enjoy a long, successful career in sales, most recently with KDV Label, where his easy charm, humor, and relentless optimism made him both well-liked and mildly exhausting to his coworkers. For "fun money," Bob bartended on weekends, where his cocktail skills, infectious laugh, and quick wit built him a loyal following of regulars.

Bob loved to travel, and he made sure to see the world one unforgettable trip (and one airport bar) at a time. He played golf at St. Andrews in Scotland, explored Ireland's pubs in search of the perfect pint, toured Hungary and Peru, honeymooned in Fiji with Kristen, and soaked up the sun on Caribbean beaches with his family. Every trip was a new story waiting to be retold — usually with a few added embellishments and an exaggerated accent or two.

Bob was the ultimate family man. In 2008, Bob married the love of his life, Kristen Krueger. Kristen and their daughters, Kaitlyn and Grace, were Bob's world. He attended every dance recital, softball game, and band concert — usually as the loudest cheerleader in the room. He also took his role as a protective father very seriously, famously drafting a "no dating until 30" contract for then-12-year-old Kaitlyn. It did not hold up in court.

Bob believed deeply in community and citizenship. He joined the Cedarburg Lions Club in 2016, serving as president during the COVID-19 pandemic — a time when his fundraising tactics earned him the moniker "Bulldog Bob" - bringing in more sponsorships than anyone thought humanly possible. Lion Bob was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship by the Club in May of 2022 and was a proud recipient of the coveted Lions Club purple jacket. However, Bob's real reward as a Cedarburg Lions Club member was the friendships he built — and the joy of doing good for others.

When not volunteering or working, Bob could be found fishing (he owned enough gear to open a Cabela's), watching the Green Bay Packers (until his enthusiastic Lambeau Field behavior got him banned by Kristen), or blasting AC/DC or The Clash at decibel levels unsafe for human ears. He loved to cook — tacos, anything grilled, and especially his famous Sunday breakfasts — though he graciously left home repairs to Kristen, who was handier and had better tools. He was also known for his unintentional "butt calls," which often began with confused silence and ended with someone yelling, "Bob, hang up!"

Bob's personal mantras included:

• "Be a leader – not a follower."

• "Civic apathy is the lethargy of an untutored mind."

• To his Girl Scout daughter selling cookies: "ABC, Gracie – Always Be Closing."

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 17 years (and 20 years together) Kristen, his daughters Kaitlyn and Grace, dog Ozzie, mother Lorraine Bornstein, siblings Carol Bornstein (Gene Ungar) and David Bornstein (Shelley Bornstein), mother-in-law Lynette Krueger, brother-in-law Jeff Krueger, nephews Bennett Ungar, Sam Bornstein, Alex Bornstein, Eli Bornstein, Kyler Krueger, nieces Mady Ungar and Kameron Krueger,. He was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Bornstein, and father-in-law, Gary Krueger. He will also be dearly missed by countless friends and his senior softball and hockey teammates, who will forever cherish his humor, generosity, and knack for making any occasion feel like a celebration.

A Celebration of Life for Bob will be held on Thursday, October 23, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, W57N481 Hilbert Avenue, Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you honor Bob by sharing a laugh, booking a spontaneous trip, tipping your bartender generously, and never — ever — trusting anyone who doesn't like dogs.