Robert Estabrook Coy Jr., widely known as Bob Coy, passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 87 in Minocqua, Wisconsin. His passing marks the loss of a respected educator, accomplished coach, mentor, and community leader whose influence extended across generations of student-athletes.
According to his obituary published by Legacy.com on November 2, 2026, Bob was remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to his family and the development of young people through education and athletics.
Born in Saint Joseph, Missouri, Bob spent his early years in Minden, Nebraska, before moving to Portsmouth, Ohio. He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1957, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track.
He continued his education and athletic career at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. During his college years, he earned multiple athletic letters and established records in sprinting and the long jump. His long jump record of 24 feet, 3 inches, remains part of Simpson College’s athletic history. He was inducted into the college’s Hall of Fame in 1980.
Simpson College also played an important role in his personal life, as it was where he met Jodine, his future wife. The couple shared 65 years of marriage.
A Remarkable Career in Coaching and Education
Bob began his coaching career in 1962 as the head track coach at Shawano High School. He later worked at Stoughton High School before joining Mosinee High School in 1964.
Mosinee became the center of his professional life. Over the next 22 years, he built an impressive football coaching career while also serving as an athletic director for more than 25 years.
His football teams recorded 182 victories, 29 losses, and one tie. They captured 15 conference championships, achieved eight undefeated seasons, and won two state championships. Between 1969 and 1974, his teams also put together an extraordinary 38-game winning streak.
His achievements earned him several honors, including Wisconsin State Coach of the Year in 1983. He was inducted into the Wisconsin High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991 and the Mosinee High School Hall of Fame in 2017.
His coaching contributions also extended to track and golf, where he guided teams to numerous conference, regional, sectional, and state championships.
Family, Community, and Lasting Memories
Beyond athletics, Bob remained active in his community. He served on the St. John’s Lutheran Church Council, participated in the Kiwanis Board of Directors, and officiated football and basketball games for more than 30 years. In 1981, he was named Mosinee’s Citizen of the Year. In 2026, he was inducted into the WBCA Referee Hall of Fame.
Away from sports, he enjoyed following the Green Bay Packers, playing golf, and spending time on his pontoon boat at the lake.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jodine Coy; sons Bob, Todd, and Ric; brother Bill; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gretchen Coy.
A celebration of his life is planned for this summer at his beloved lake house in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Details will be announced later.
His legacy will continue through the countless students, athletes, colleagues, and family members whose lives he influenced.
