Robert Karl Wichmann

Robert K. Wichmann, affectionately known as Bob, passed away peacefully at his home in Bluffton, SC, at the age of 87. Born in Fulton, Missouri to Karl and Dorothy Wichmann, he graduated from Milan High school, in Milan, IN, where he played a supporting role on the 1954 State Champion Basketball team. After graduating from Purdue University in 1959, he joined Pioneer Hi-Bred International Seed Company for a lifelong career.

In the 41-years of service to Pioneer, Bob was focused on improving the productivity of Pioneer farm customers through genetically improved seed stocks and superior agronomic information. The company also provided Bob with many learning experiences such as the executive development program at Cornell, and the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. Bob also demonstrated a strong commitment to his community and agri-business in general. He served on the Board of Tipton County Hospital, served as founder of the Tipton County Foundation, Board of Indiana 4-H Foundation, and the Indiana Institute of Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition. He was a member of the Indiana Corn Growers Association and represented Pioneer on the National Corn Association trade missions to China and Turkey. In 1988, The Purdue Alumni Association presented him with its highest award, the Certificate of Distinction to Bob for his contribution to Indiana Agriculture. In 1992, Bob received the Distinguished Agricultural Alumni Award from Purdue University. In 1993, he received recognition as Agri-Marketer of The Year, from the National Agri-Marketing Association for effective sales programs leading to share growth and sales force development.

He retired as a Corporate Vice President in 2000 and moved to Bluffton, SC. Despite his success at the corporate level, his real joy came from being in the field with Pioneer researchers, the Pioneer sales team, and the farmer customers.

Retirement for Bob included traveling around the World with his wife, Lib and family. He was active in golf and boating during his early years of retirement. But his real love was waterfowl hunting and sporting clay shooting with his good friends in Belfair.

Bob is preceded in death by his father and mother, sister Janice Mitchell, brother Steve Wichmann, and daughter-in-law, Annette Wichmann.

He is survived by his wife of 66-years, Elizabeth (Lib) Wichmann, and their 4-children; Greg Wichmann of Fairhope, AL; Lisa Cunningham of Bluffton, SC; Kristin Guillory of Bluffton, SC; and Laura Krug (Jim) of Grand Rapids, MI. Grandchildren Brad (Kamie) Wichmann, Michele Bratcher, Jacquie Cunningham, Ian (Ije) Cunningham, Lauren Krug, and Kate Krug. Great great grandchildren, Emma Bratcher, Tessa Wichmann, Kessa Hill, Nathan Bratcher, Kaedon Hill.

Bob was known for his kind smile, engaging personality, and a love of people and life. He leaves behind a very loving family and many good friends.

There will be Two Celebrations of Life for Bob:

• Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville, Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910 
  1. Visitation from 2:00pm to 3:00pm; Service follows until 4:00pm
  2. 
     
• Friday, September 13, 2024, from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Flanner Buchanan - Hamilton Memorial Park (Prairie Waters), 4180 Westfield, Rd, Westfield, IN 46062

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Bob’s memory to the Bluffton United Methodist Church, 101 Calhoun St. Bluffton, SC 29910.

Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.