Byron J. Bobb

Byron J. “BJ” Bobb, age 85, of Chippewa Falls, passed away on October 5, 2026, at his home. Born December 25, 1940, during World War II to Dorothea (Klepser) and Captain Carl W. Bobb. Byron lived on various military bases throughout the United States and in Trieste, Italy, before the family moved to Humbird, Clark County, Wisconsin, when he was ten years old. He graduated from Lincoln High School, Alma Center, Wisconsin and the Eau Claire Vocational School (Chippewa Valley Technical College). On May 30, 1964, Byron married Diane J. Droel of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin.

BJ worked as a carpenter for Market & Johnson, Myron Construction, and the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, and was also a custodian/maintenance man for the Eau Claire Area School District. Competent in many endeavors, Byron was a skilled woodworker. His masterpieces can be found in the homes of family members and throughout the local community.

A lover of trains and railroads, Byron was a founding member of the Chippewa Valley Railroad (CVRR), located in Eau Claire’s Carson Park. He donated countless hours and considerable talents to this, as well as to Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls.

He will be remembered not only for his kindness, but for his gift of connecting with children through humor. He was always quick with a silly joke, a playful tease, and a warm laugh that brought joy to their hearts. His generosity, willingness to help, and lifelong commitment to serving others were woven into everything he did, leaving a legacy of both craftsmanship and compassion. A friend mentioned that BJ was the finest man a person could have as a friend.

Byron is survived by his wife, Diane J. Bobb of Chippewa Falls; brothers, Thomas (Fay) Bobb of Eau Claire and Gary (Gunilla) Bobb of Finland; niece and nephews, Heather (Luis) Perez, Shane (Krista) Bobb, and Jordan (Mikaela Mäkilä) Bobb; and longtime friend and caregiver, Linda Nyhus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dorothea Bobb.

BJ had a generous heart and donated to many charitable organizations throughout his life. In his honor the family welcomes memorial contributions to The Dorothea S. Bobb Blugold Promise Scholarship. Checks can be made payable to the UW-Eau Claire Foundation (memo line of your check should read (Fund #1720). The address is University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Foundation, Inc., 127 Roosevelt Ave., P.O. Box 1208, Eau Claire, WI 54702.

The family invites you to a Celebration of Life from 1:00-4:00 PM on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at Hangar 54 Grill (Chippewa Valley Regional Airport in Eau Claire. A private memorial service will be held at a later date burial in the Bloomer Cemetery. Olson Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Bloomer is assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com.