Robert Estabrook

Robert S. Estabrook of Rhinelander, Wisconsin, died peacefully in his home in Rhinelander on September 11, 2025. He was born on July 29, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Robert and June (Westmorland) Estabrook. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Timothy Estabrook.

He is survived by his three daughters, Tracy Boal, Alicia Estabrook, and Erin Estabrook. Other survivors include his siblings, Melissa Mittman, John Estabrook, Pam Alsteen, and Clyde Estabrook, nephews TJ Estabrook, Trent Estabrook, Bobby Estabrook, and Brett Estabrook, as well as other family and friends.

Robert, more commonly known as Bob or Bobby, grew up in Rhinelander and was a proud student of Rhinelander schools. He earned his B.S. at Purdue University and also served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army National Guard. He ultimately went on to a 30-year career with Rhinelander Realty, Inc., most of which he served as President and General Manager. During the early years of his business career, he also started a family and had three daughters with his first wife, Michaeline.

He worked hard growing the business and often said that he “learned everything he needed” to successfully run that company from his grandfather (founder of Rhinelander Realty, Inc.) Clyde E. Estabrook in one four-hour conversation in Clyde’s hospital room the night before he passed. That conversation had a deep impact on him and he honored his grandfather by following his advice explicitly and was very successful in the business for many years as a result. Hard work and doing what is ‘right,’ was a trait he valued and passed on to his children. It was at Rhinelander Realty that he met his second wife, Barbara, who contributed significantly to the success of the business. He was also active in the business community as a long-standing member and two-time president of the Rhinelander Rotary Club. He served as Director of Oneida Broadcasting Co (WOBT/WRJN), and in professional capacities for Valley First National Bank, Estabrook’s Insurance, and the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce, and participated in other commissions, committees, and memberships.

When he loved, he loved deeply; and that included not only his loved ones, but also the beauty of the Northwoods. He spent countless hours in the woods hunting or mushroom picking, walking the trails of his property and cross-country skiing. One of his favorite pastimes was fishing for bluegills and enjoying the beauty of the many lakes around Rhinelander. He took great enjoyment in monitoring the nesting loon pairs on Silverbass Lake over the years and participated in LoonWatch each year reporting his observations. He was also known to raise many chickens and other fowl over the years, and would often be found talking to them as he went about the daily routine of tending to them every morning and evening. He felt privileged to have been born and lived in such a beautiful part of the world and would often exclaim, “How cool is that!?” when seeing something particularly beautiful or special in nature. He made sure to instill in his girls his deep love of nature and the beauty around us.

Having participated in the care of his grandmother and his mother as they aged, he saw first-hand the challenges that brings and did his best to help them remain in their own homes for as long as was possible. It was of utmost importance to him that he be able to live out his final years and pass in the home he built. None of that would have been possible if it weren’t for the most amazing and loving caregivers from Stay Home Instead, LLC. Toni and her crew are absolutely wonderful and are the only reason he was able to stay in his own home. His daughters could not be more grateful for their care, love, and support to make his wishes possible. In addition, Compassus Hospice did an amazing job supporting him in his final months and ensured a peaceful transition at the end. Our deepest gratitude to everyone who cared for him and made sure his wishes could be honored.

He asked that there be no service; but if you wish to make a memorial, he would prefer you make a donation to the charity of your choice in his honor, particularly one dedicated to preserving the beauty of our natural world. Or, simply take a walk in the woods and enjoy the beauty around you, and know that he would be doing the same if he were still here. You may leave your private condolences for the Estabrook family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Estabrook family.