Robert “Bob” John Deiss, of River Falls, Wis., passed away on Nov. 26, 2025. Born on April 9, 1949, to Eurie and Jeannette Deiss, Bob grew up in River Falls, attending St. Bridget Parochial School before graduating from River Falls High School. He embraced the life of dairy farming, working hard and taking great pride in every part of it. It was there he developed his remarkable work ethic—always helping others before thinking of himself. During high school, he also enjoyed music, playing guitar and singing with local friends in a band.
Earlier in life, Bob worked as an auctioneer and developed a passion for agriculture, especially raising Texas Longhorn cattle. In doing so, he became a gifted team roper where he competed in his spare time. He also greatly enjoyed spending time with the people he cared about most. Bob was deeply family-oriented, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. His family was truly the center of his world.
He was a strong-willed man with a traditional faith in God and could always be counted on. His loyalty was outmatched only by the many connections he formed throughout the greater area including during his time as a successful sales professional. His 50-year career in agriculture sales began at a young age from selling seed, to advertising and media. Into his retirement, he enjoyed his continued sales career of selling roofs. He also enjoyed deer hunting with the crew, attending his grandson’s hockey games, wetting a line fishing, cheering on the Green Bay Packers, and even occasionally hopping on a tube behind the boat at the cabin.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Marie-Anne Haudegand-Deiss; his children, Jason (Cathy) Deiss, Jessica Hamilton, and Cassien (Selena) Haudegand; his grandchildren, Nicole Deiss, Ethan Busse, Harper Hamilton, Rhett Hamilton, Paisley Haudegand, and Brooks Haudegand; his brother-in-law, Jerry Filkins; and many dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Eurie and Jeannette Deiss, and his sister, Lana Filkins.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Dec. 5 at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls. A visitation took place 5-7 p.m. Dec. 4 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, as well as one hour prior to Mass on Friday morning. Burial followed at St. Bridget Cemetery. Active casket bearers were Jason Deiss, Rhett Hamilton, Jeff Filkins, Frank Battista, Erin McKenna, Ryan Joy, and Charlie Hanson.
Bob’s legacy of hard work, kindness, and unwavering love for his family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of River Falls. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.
