Robert Jay Sample, 65, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, July 23, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Bob was born May 21, 1959, in Waukegan, Illinois. He was the son of Max Edwin and Jean Amanda (Hill) Sample. Bob grew up in communities in Wisconsin and graduated from Appleton East High School in Appleton, WI. He furthered his education at the University of Iowa where he obtained his bachelor's degree in fine arts.

Bob was engaged in the art media most of his working career. He and his son Joshua owned and operated an art studio for the last 12 years. Bob and Joshua participated in hundreds of art shows over the years and had many of their fondest memories working side by side. Bob was active in gardening and landscaping. He maintained a keen knack for trivia of all sorts and always seemed to dominate at all the family game nights. He loved games and challenges of all kinds and participated daily in Wordle with his siblings, family, and friends. Although he was so full of knowledge, he was equally humble and always encouraged others. He was a Green Bay Packers fan and attended several games over the years with his family and friends. He was always up for a new project whether it was from remodeling rooms, outdoor landscaping, car repairs, or anywhere he could lend a hand. Bob was always available for his family and was just a phone call away from helping in any way needed. Bob was a loving son, brother, father, uncle and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with family and was even his mother's caregiver for the last years of her life. Bob was kind, considerate of others, witty, and humorous throughout his life and up to the day he passed.

Those thankful for sharing in Bob's life include his son, Joshua Sample and his wife, Rebecca Van Deuren-Sample of Mt. Pleasant; 4 siblings – Nancy (Nick) Edgington of Connecticut, Gary (Polly) Sample of Kansas, Brian (Mari) Sample of Iowa and Mick Sample of Texas, several nieces and nephews and two granddaughters – Reshana Van Deuren and Rellana Van Deuren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his niece Jenny Sample, and Nephew Sabastian Sample.

Those that knew and loved Bob will miss him dearly, but in Bob's own words he would want you to continue to "Please Find the Happy". A celebration of life for Bob will be held at a later date. The Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant, is caring for Bob and his family. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com