Sending our condolences  and a small donation to the scholarship fund. So sorry for your loss. 

Randy & Julie Tryczak- Randy's Cedar Piers, LLC

Our deepest sympathies to the Rymer family. Bob was one of the finest track and cross country coaches in the state of Wisconsin. I had the privilege of coaching against him and working side-by-side with him in promoting the sport of cross country in our state. He and Kay were always a joy to be with. We will deeply miss him.

I will always cherish so many great Cooper memories with Bob in Door County and Atlanta and Green Lake and out on the pond and so many other great places!

I have been friends with Bob Rymer for 58 years since we were teammates on the Carroll College Cross country team. Bob served as a mentor and role model throughout our coaching careers.

Bob was not just a leader to the teams he coached, but he was also a leader to the wider Wisconsin Cross Country community. He co-managed the annual Wisconsin Cross Country Coaches Clinic for decades helping other programs throughout the state. His commitment to the sport was universal as he was always generous with his knowledge with fellow coaches. For years, he also mentored athletes at the Green Lake Cross Country Camp where he magically learned 70 athletes’ names in two days.

Bob was a life-long athlete and when running was no longer an option, biking became a favorite activity. Losing a lower leg would have ended many biking careers, but it never stopped Bob. Not even losing a second leg.

Bob was guided by family, faith, and friends. Among his many friends, Bob enjoyed adventures with a group of college friends including an annual camping week at Peninsula State Park in Door County. The group grew to 3 generations, and Bob served as the group’s “tarp master,” the bike route planner (oh, my!), and the night watchman making sure the group was safe each night from pesky raccoons.

Bob was an inspiration to many. His legacy is immeasurable. But as we recall his ever-present smile, he would be proud that we, too, show that smile.

Condolences to Kay and Family!     It was an honor to wear the "purple and white" Uniform-for Coach Rymer-who treated ALL his Athletes "special"!      Bob-THANX for your lifetime Friendship!

Kay and family, so very sorry for your loss. I truly enjoyed any time spent with Bob. I recall watching the Tour de France with him at the cottage (and talking cycling), and his showing me how to finally be able to cook chicken on a charcoal grill without burning it. He was a good man, taken far too young and far too suddenly. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal" (a quote from an old Irish headstone).

Kay and family.  So sorry to hear about Bob, our deepest condolences.  Jim and Jain

At a CC meet in 1983

Bob and the Hackers

Dear Rymer family. Bob was such a inspiration to so many but for us at our  bicycle store his determination and will for life will not be forgotten as he comes up frequently when talking with our customers on his passion for cycling over all these years. He will be deeply missed by all of us at Emery's cyclery.

Dear Kay and family, it was an honour for us to know Bob as a PCB friend. He was a kind and generous individual and a true gentleman. We miss him. Our love and prayers surround you. Love Dave and Darlene. 

He was great coach! Sorry for the loss to his families and his friends.   -Patti (Hawk) Lopez Leon

To the Rymer family- over the 30 years I I knew him, learned a lot from Bob, both as a coach and later working with him as an official. He was always willing to share his knowledge, and was kind when mistakes were made.

Thank you for sharing Bob with us.

Sending our deepest sympathy to Kay and family. My dad taught with Bob, and I babysat for the kids. Our families also went camping out west when I was young. Such fond memories of Bob and his positive attitude along with a contagious smile. May you find comfort and peace and feel his presence. 

~ Susie (Hartzell) Sandow & family 

Bob was such a great inspiration for everyone who ever ran for him!  He was not just a great coach - he was a wonderful human being.  When I think of what a coach and mentor should be - I think of Bob Rymer.  He was always optimistic and inspiring - even when things didn't go our way.  The thing that stands out to me the most when I think of being coached by Bob for four years is his smiling face.  He always had a good word and wanted only the best for those he worked with.  My deepest condolences to Kay and her family.  Bob will be missed by all who knew him!

Mr Rymer was a great math teacher!  My heart goes out to Amy and her family.  Amy & I went to MF together and danced together in HS.  Her loving parents were always at all of our dance recitals.  Amy, I’m so sorry for your loss.  If there’s anything I can do, please be in touch. 

Best,

Cyndee Pelt

I was in the Gloria Dei Lutheran church choir with Bob. Always great to see Bob and Kay at Sunday service. So easy and enjoyable to talk to. Thank you for the brief time we had together as friends. 

We attended Gloria Dei Lutheran Church with Bob; our kids went to school and were in the youth group together.  As a freshman, our son Nick was caught up in football fever and made the team, but not first string.  Bob noticed Nick standing next to his coach hoping to get to play, but rarely did.  At church, Bob took Nick aside and suggested that if he came out for cross country, he’d be participating in every meet, not standing on the sideline.  Nick ran cross country for Bob the next 3 years, becoming team captain in the process. Bob brought out the best in the boys he coached, including our son.

Bob and the Hackers

I never saw Bob without a smile on his face! I drove his cross country team and track teams all over wis for about 13 years, in all kind of weather. My favorite memory was of us coming back one night from Waukesha in a fog that was so dense we couldnt go more than five mph. Bob had gone to caroll college and knew every inch of the road, so using his MATH skills he would keep track of our mph and calculate from that where we were. He and Ron Burling helped get us home safe. Bob was behind me watching the white line in the center,, Ron was down near the door watching the edge of the road and each would tell me when I got close to those lines,, "over a foot, move over a foot" I heard for 20 miles. Bob was a joy to drive for,, never a cross word from him no matter what,,I thought the world of him he was such a nice guy!! Our loss,heavens gain! joyce Burke

Golfing and playing soft ball together are just some of my fond memories of Bob.  But most of all, I was privileged to work beside an outstanding educator and coach for many years.   God will reward such a giving person!   Ed (and Mary) Schlumpf 

My deepest sympathy for your loss. It’s hard to understand why and when God decides another angel is needed to watch over his flock on earth.  But He walks with you and your family comforting you and giving you the strength you need. Prayers for peace and comfort. Karen Schmidt 

Coach Rymer had such a big impact on myself and countless other students throughout his teaching and coaching career.  So many great memories of cross country and track and the friendships that came with it.  Reminiscing about coach with a high school teammate of mind after hearing of his passing, we talked about how he would always encourage us, when reaching a stairwell, to run up the stairs, don't walk. whether we are walking to class or at home because 1) It is good for you and 2) Every time you do that, it may give you an edge on your competition.  To this day, 37 years later, when we reach a stairwell, we still run up the stairs!  Another memory is having the end of the season cross country basketball game.  The rule was everyone had to run across the halfcourt line before you can shoot.  Even if you had a fastbreak to the basket, you could not get the easy basket because you had to wait for everyone to get on the other side of the court.  He was always about maximizing the workout.  The thing I admired most about Coach Rymer is that he cared about every runner on the team whether you were the best runner or the worst.  He was so excited when runners were getting PR's, no matter what the talent level.   Especially at the end of the season when everyone is trying to run their best after a couple of months of training.  It's not only exciting for the runner, but that has to be so gratifying for a coach to see their athletes improve.  Coach smiled ear to ear when we were hitting our goals.   He taught us that hard work pays off and that expands to other areas of your life where you want to improve.   He will be missed, but so grateful of the memories my teammates and I had with him.  To quote Dr. Suess, "Don't cry because it's over.  Smile because it happened."