Robert Louis Vinton, age 93, of Manitowoc departed from this world on Saturday, November 18, 2023 after a long-term struggle with heart failure. He was able to remain in his own home until the very end.
Robert was born to William U. Vinton and Martha Schuette Vinton on May 20, 1930.
He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948. Robert was on the basketball and football teams which he enjoyed and excelled at. After graduation from Lincoln, he attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison. There Robert was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. In addition, he played intramural basketball and participated in ROTC. Robert graduated in 1952 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He served in Korea as a 1LT while he helped to rebuild roads, bridges and even structures like churches. Upon returning from South Korea, Robert married Ruth Rahr Vinton also from Manitowoc. Ruth preceded him in death in 2003. She was the daughter of William Rahr IV of Manitowoc and Ruth Knowlton Rahr of Sheffield, Illinois.
Our father put his heart and soul into running Vinton Construction Company after his father died in 1970. He continued as President and owner of Vinton Construction until 1992. Robert retired after two major heart attacks made it impossible to continue working in an ever more competitive and stressful industry. At that time, he sold the company to James Maples and his son Michael Maples. Vinton won numerous accolades and awards over the years for Excellence in Concrete Pavement.
Always an outdoorsman, our father loved to canoe- he won the first Whitewater races on the Manitowoc River, sail, fish in Canada with the family, golf, bowl, garden (especially planning the plantings) and to volunteer his help at Camp Sinawa, Woodland Dunes, Branch River Country Club, The Morning Optimist Club just to name a few. In addition, Robert was a long-term member of The Elks and of Branch River Country Club. Our family also spent much time in Ephraim and Fish Creek, WI over the years. It was our second home. Robert was a proud Eagle Scout and spent much time at Camp Sinawa as a youth where he met our mother who was a Girl Scout there.
Robert has three adult children: Cynthia Vinton Hacker of Two Rivers, Katherine Vinton Halla (Mike) of Manitowoc and Mark William Vinton also of Manitowoc. He also has three grandchildren: Mercedes Hacker Killeen (Graham) of West Bend, Elissa Berres (Dan) of Manitowoc and Abby Rose Halla (Anthony) of Livonia, MI. Last but not least are his two great grandchildren: Galloway and Saga Rose Killeen of West Bend. A very special 3rd great grandchild is on the way early in 2024. A brother, David Schuette Vinton of Morton, Illinois survives. Robert’s parents William Vinton and Martha Vinton preceded him in death in 1970 and 2001 respectively.
In respect with Robert’s wishes, private graveside services will be held at a later date. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel with burial of Robert’s cremated remains to be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery next to his wife, Ruth Rahr Vinton. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, donations to Woodland Dunes in Two Rivers would be greatly appreciated.
Robert’s family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the nurses of HomeCare Health Services and Hospice for all of the care and compassion they provided.
We love and miss you, Dad! Thank you for everything you have done for us.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.