Robert J. (Bob) Wells

Robert (Bob) J. Wells, age 72, a loving father, grandpa, partner, and friend, passed away peacefully Monday, August 3, 2015 in Albuquerque, NM surrounded by his beloved family. Bob was born October 12, 1942 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Emil Jack Wells and Mary Ziarnik Wells. After graduating from Lincoln High School, Bob majored as a machinist at Manitowoc Vocational Tech and went to work at Great Lakes Tooling. Early in his career, he was an Asst. Manager in the Sporting Goods Dept. for Shopko in Green Bay, WI and worked for Paragon Electric in Two Rivers, WI for many years as a Tool & Die Maker, later becoming Paragon Union President. Bob served the community as a police officer for the Manitowoc County Sheriff's Dept. and also owned and operated a Sporting Goods Store in Manitowoc. In 1984, Bob moved to New Mexico where he was General Manager at Miniature Machine Company. He later owned and operated a Sporting Goods Store and worked as a Security Officer. Bob was a master gunsmith, leathersmith, antique gun restorer, firearms expert, and craftsman. He had a high work ethic, was resourceful, and took pride in his craftsmanship. Bob's work and expertise in his craft was highly regarded and sought after by his peers. He had a passion for adventure and traveling. Starting in his late teens, Bob enjoyed his numerous trips "Out West" and "kicking dirt" looking for old relics. He loved the "Old West," desert, mountains, and the exploration of historical sites. Bob reveled in anything history related. He was a knowledgeable and highly intelligent historian throughout his life. Bob's family and friends all say his knowledge was beyond extraordinary. Bob was tough, adventurous, brave, thoughtful, compassionate, understanding, intelligent, talented, humorous, straightforward, and loved his family. His hobbies included studying anything history related, reading, war and western movies, music (old country, bluegrass, Cajun, and gospel), family history/genealogy, gun shows, and the outdoors. He was a member of the New Mexico Gun Collectors Association. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Emil Jack Wells and Mary Ziarnik Wells; sister, Patricia Ann Wells; brother, Richard C. Wells. Bob is survived by his beloved daughter, Deanne P. Wells; 2 cherished grandchildren, Amanda Mathews and husband Harley, and Michael Laurel. Devoted life partner of 33 years, Sue Kasten; dearly loved step-daughter, Amy Shoge and husband Richard Shoge, and their daughter Maya; step-son, Ryan Kasten and wife, Tracy and their twins, George and Marie. Bob's family would like to give a special thank you to all of the nurses and doctors at Presbyterian Hospital for their care and love. A celebration of life was held August 5, 2015 on Sandia Crest in the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque, NM Cremation has taken place and burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc, WI at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Mexico-newmexico.wish.org (or) Make-A-Wish Wisconsin-Wisconsin.wish.org. Bob leaves us with an emptiness that can never be replaced, but his quick witted sense of humor, knowledge, and love for his family will keep his memory alive for eternity. One of Bob's favorite quotes was from the movie, "The Shootist." "I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them." ~ John Wayne