Robert ‘Bob’ Kendall
Robert ‘Bob’ Kendall’s life could be summed up by his business success, the cars he collected, or the artistic buildings he commissioned. But what Bob Kendall’s life was truly about was Love, Light, Positivity, and Dreaming. Bob could be described as a “kid in a candy store” right up until his last day at age 70.
Bob Kendall was born on February 22, 1955, to Walt and Norma (Hall) Kendall in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raised in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, Bob spent his adolescent summers in Three Lakes, a place he quickly came to call home because of his love of the lakes and his involvement with the waterski team. These early summers helped shape the adventurous spirit and boundless energy that defined his life.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in bacteriology, Bob was, at heart, a serial entrepreneur. In 1979, he co-founded COLE Publishing with Pete Lawonn, which grew into North America’s largest publisher of print and digital magazines serving the wastewater industry. COLE Publishing hosted an annual trade show, but what was truly on display was Bob’s compassion, work ethic, and genuine care for his customers. His success also allowed him to pursue passion projects close to his heart, including 7fifteen Motorworks, which he founded with his son, John Kendall, to produce the Troy Indy Special, a project that brought them immense pride and joy in working together.
Bob was led by passion. Teaming up with friends, whom he considered brothers, in business ventures kept him endlessly busy. His passion for cars led to the creation of Blue Chip Cars with Antonio Brunet. With Chip Duncan, Thunder House Productions was born, resulting in many films. Especially meaningful was Magnificent Madness, which reflected his passion for historical stories and cars. Bob’s passion for ethical business and out-of-the-box thinking with Dr. David Martin led to the creation of Purple Bridge Management, Global Innovation Commons, and Amruqa, the first Integral Fair Trade commodity business in the world. Bob lived to see the pivotal success of his latest ventures in Activate Clean Energy and RASA Energy.
Bob is survived by his two children, John and Jena. He is now reunited with the love of his life, Julie Gensler, who preceded him in 2022. Bob will be greatly missed by Julie’s children, Holly Gensler, Jordan (Sonya) Gensler, Taylor (Brandon) Baseman; and grandchildren, Sutton and Saylor Baseman; as well as his sisters, Cindy (Tom) Stankey and Sue Kendall. Bob will be lovingly remembered by Anita Kendall (Ken Stuckart), along with countless others who considered him a father, brother, and friend.
Bob’s life will be celebrated in a party worthy of his magnitude, planned for the early summer of 2026. John and Jena understand the vastness of Bob’s global impact and his many friends who want to travel from all over the world.
Arrangements by Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home, Eagle River. Online condolences may be expressed at gaffney-busha.com PAID OBITUARY
