Robert L. “Bob” Jansen

Robert L. “Bob” Jansen, age 74, of Shawano, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, June 1, 2026.
Born on December 6, 1951, in Shawano, Bob was the son of the late Quentin “Buck” and Irmgard (Genke) Jansen. A proud Shawano native, he attended St. James Grade School and graduated from Shawano High School in 1970. He then received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and dedicated his career to helping young people as a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, and mentor.
If you knew Bob, you likely knew him as “Coach.” Athletics were woven throughout Bob’s life. As a student-athlete, coach, and fan, sports connected him with countless friendships and memories. He coached generations of athletes, including his own children, and celebrated their successes as if they were his own. One of his proudest accomplishments was leading the Columbus High School girls’ softball team to a state championship in 1984.
Long before he was “Coach” to so many, Bob was a standout second baseman for the Shawano Library softball team. His teammates remember him as the steady presence they could always count on, someone with exceptional instincts, a deep understanding of the game, and a knack for delivering in the moments that mattered most. Whether on a softball field, baseball diamond, or sideline, Bob’s love of sports was never about personal recognition. He brought a winning attitude, made the game enjoyable for everyone around him, and reminded those he played with that, at the end of the day, the reason they showed up was simple: to have fun playing a sport they loved. Even among his peers, Bob was a coach in every sense of the world.
Yet those who knew him best know that the championships and accolades were never what mattered most to him, it was the people, the camaraderie, and the relationships built along the way.
In 2019, Bob married the love of his early years, Terri Zoglmann, after the two reconnected after 45 years apart. Their story was a reminder that sometimes life has a way of bringing people back to where they were always meant to be. They were married at the family cabin, a place that held many of Bob’s favorite memories and would become the backdrop for many more they shared together. Whether they were spending time with friends, enjoying Friday night fish fries and Old Fashioneds, or simply sitting together at the cabin, Bob found happiness in life’s simplest moments. He never needed much, a day on the water, a good cigar, a bottle of Sun Drop, and most importantly, Terri by his side.
While Bob touched countless lives as a coach and mentor, his most important role was being Dad. He was Jordyn and Taylor’s biggest fan and first coach, with unwavering support. Whether it was a game, a life decision, a challenge, or a simple phone call, they always knew they could count on him. No matter the circumstances, he would drop everything to help his children when they needed him.
Bob spent countless hours on ball fields, in gyms, or in the stands knowing there was nowhere else he would rather be. He took immense pride in watching his children grow into the people they became and celebrated their accomplishments as if they were his own. Long after the games ended, he remained their coach in life, offering guidance and encouragement while making sure there was always room for laughter, adventure, and fun along the way.
More than anything, Bob was proud to be their dad. The love he had for Jordyn and Taylor was evident in the way he showed up, the sacrifices he made, and the steadfast support he provided throughout their lives. His presence was a constant source of strength, and the lessons he taught through his actions will remain with them forever.
His grandchildren brought him endless joy, and some of his happiest moments were spent cheering them on, telling stories, sharing laughs, and simply being together. The title of “Papa” was one he carried with immense pride.
Bob will be remembered for his humility, kindness, unwavering loyalty, and steady presence. He was the kind of man who didn’t need to be the center of attention to leave a lasting impression. He taught by example, loved without conditions, and showed up when it mattered. The lessons he taught, both on and off the field, will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.
Bob is survived by his wife, Terri Jansen of Shawano; his children, Jordyn (Austin) Dieter of Appleton and Taylor (Madeline) Jansen of Dubuque, Iowa, and their mother, Patty Jansen; his beloved grandchildren, Kinley Archambeau and Murphy Dieter, and Amelia, Emerson, and Charlee Jansen; sisters Sue (Bob) Brisky and Kris Jansen; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, former students, athletes, and community members whose lives were better because they knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Quentin “Buck” and Irmgard Jansen; his brother, Gary “Glug” Jansen; and his nephew, Josh Brisky.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Shawano VFW, 810 S. Olson St, Shawano. A memorial service will begin at the Shawano VFW on Sunday at 2:00 pm. Pastor Andrew Zobel will officiate. The family asks that you wear any athletic apparel in honor of him.
The family kindly requests memorials in Bob’s honor be directed to the Columbus or Shawano Athletic Booster Club.
Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.
“The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Moments Hospice for the compassion, dignity, and care they provided to Bob and his family.”