Robert “Bob” DeKoch ’74, a Lawrence University alumnus, longtime business executive, leadership mentor, and co-founder of New North who championed regional growth and leadership development across Northeast Wisconsin, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 17 at the age of 74.
To many, Bob was a business leader, mentor, author, community champion, and trusted friend. But beneath the titles and accomplishments was a man who carried forward one of the most enduring lessons of a Lawrence education: that success is not only measured by what is achieved, but by how those achievements are used to serve others.
“Bob believed deeply in the transformative power of education, the importance of community, and our responsibility to invest in the success of others,” said President Laurie A. Carter. “His influence can be seen in the strategic progress of the university and in projects such as Fox Commons and Hall Commons, but his greatest legacy is the example he set through a life dedicated to leadership, mentorship, and service. We are profoundly grateful for all he gave to Lawrence, to Northeast Wisconsin, and to the countless people whose lives were enriched by his friendship, guidance, and belief in their potential.”
Born and raised in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, Bob arrived at Lawrence to study chemistry, but he found more than an education. At Lawrence, Bob found an intellectual home and a community that would help shape the rest of his life.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1974, Bob built an extraordinary career that crossed industries and disciplines. He began as a research chemist at Dow Chemical U.S.A., then moved into the beverage industry at J. Schlitz Brewing Company, before rising through the ranks at Consolidated Papers, Inc. and Appleton Papers, Inc., to serve as Vice President of Manufacturing.
His next area of service was at The Boldt Company, where Bob spent over two decades helping guide one of Wisconsin’s most respected firms through a period of transformational growth. As president and chief operating officer, he helped expand Boldt’s geographic reach and market sectors while overseeing a critical ownership transition. Under his leadership, the company grew into a national construction, consulting, and technical services enterprise with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion.
In 2010, he founded Limitless, a leadership consultancy through which he continued coaching executives, mentoring emerging leaders, and helping organizations navigate changes. He also shared his insights through three books: Embracing Uncertainty: The Essence of Leadership, Transforming Leaders into Progress Makers, and Leading with Care in a Tough World.
The impact of Bob’s leadership extended far beyond any one company. A co-founder and co-chair of New North, he helped shape a collaborative vision for economic growth and development across Northeastern Wisconsin. He served on numerous civic, educational, corporate, and nonprofit boards, lending his expertise where it could strengthen organizations and create opportunities for others.
His contributions earned widespread recognition, including Lawrence University’s Collaboration in Action Award, the Paul and Elaine Groth Mentoring Award, and induction into the Fox Cities Business Hall of Fame. Yet those who knew Bob best often pointed not to his accolades, but to the way he treated people.
Colleagues remembered a man who listened carefully, valued different perspectives, and had an uncommon gift for helping others recognize potential in themselves.
Those qualities defined every aspect of his life. Bob invested deeply in people. He viewed leadership not as authority, but as responsibility. Success was not measured solely by personal achievement, but by the opportunities created for others.
At the Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Bob’s impact was especially profound. His leadership helped secure the organization’s future, ensuring that generations of children and families would continue to have opportunities to learn, explore, and discover. In recognition of his extraordinary service, he became only the second person named a board member for life.
Over the years, Bob’s commitment to Lawrence was deep and enduring. He served as a class agent, reunion volunteer, Giving Day supporter, member of the President’s Advisory Council, and participant in the university’s Corporate Partnership Program. He also served on the Trustee Committee for Life After Lawrence as a non-trustee member-at-large and helped create opportunities for Lawrence students and graduates through internships, mentorship, and employment. Bob played an instrumental role in advancing major campus initiatives, including the development of Fox Commons and Hall Commons. His ability to bring people together around a shared vision and support for projects is an impact that continues to shape Lawrence.
His final book, Leading with Care in a Tough World, feels particularly fitting. It was not simply a title. It reflected the way he approached leadership and life.
He led with care.
He served with humility.
He mentored with generosity.
And he lived with purpose.
Bob used his talents to strengthen the communities around him and improve the lives of others. His legacy lives on in the organizations he guided, the communities he strengthened, the students he encouraged, the leaders he developed, and the countless lives he positively impacted.
Most of all, his legacy lives on in the example he set that a life well lived is defined not by what is accumulated for oneself, but by what is given to others.
As the Lawrence community reflects on Bob’s remarkable life, the university’s thoughts remain with Debbie and all those mourning his loss. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, the values he embodied, curiosity, humility, service, generosity, and care for others, will continue to inspire future generations.
For generations to come, Lawrence students and alumni can look to Bob’s life and see what is possible when intellect is matched with character, achievement with humility, and leadership with service.
Memorial services will be held privately. The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to be made to the Bob and Debbie Dekoch Scholarship in Business and Entrepreneurship at Lawrence University or the Salvation Army, in keeping with Bob’s lifelong commitment to building up the people and places he loved.
