Robert Estabrook Coy Jr.

Robert Estabrook Coy Jr., age 87, of Minocqua, passed away on October 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that reached far beyond the playing field. Known to many simply as Bob, he was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, coach, mentor, and friend. Above all, he was a coach — and truly, everybody’s coach.

Bob’s life was defined by his love of family, his passion for athletics, his commitment to young people, and the countless lives he influenced along the way.

Bob was born in Saint Joseph, Mo., and raised in Minden, Neb., and then Portsmouth, Ohio. He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1957, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding three-sport athlete in football, basketball, and track. 

He continued his athletic career at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. At Simpson, Bob earned four letters each in football, basketball, and track. He established school and conference records in the 100- and 220-yard dashes and still holds the Simpson College long jump record at 24 feet, 3 inches. His basketball and track teams competed in NAIA National Championships, and in 1980, Bob was inducted into the Simpson College Hall of Fame. Simpson College is also where he met the love of his life, Jodine, whom he was married to for 65 years.

Following graduation, Bob pursued graduate studies at the University of Colorado, where he served as a graduate assistant. He continued his graduate work at Northern Michigan, Drake, Azusa Pacific, and the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Bob began his coaching career in 1962 as head track coach at Shawano High School. In 1963, he moved to Stoughton High School, where he served as a line coach for a football team that finished 9-0 and third in the state, while also serving as head track coach.

In 1964, Bob began what would become a remarkable 22-year football coaching career at Mosinee High School. Mosinee wasn’t simply where he worked; it became home. He dedicated his career to teaching, coaching, and developing young people, serving as athletic director for more than 25 years. He was inducted into the Mosinee High School Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Wisconsin High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1991.

His accomplishments on the football field were extraordinary. Bob compiled an impressive record of 182 wins, 29 losses, and one tie, including a remarkable 38-game winning streak from 1969 to 1974. His teams captured 15 conference championships, achieved eight undefeated seasons, won two state championships, and finished as state runners-up once. He was named Conference Coach of the Year nine times, District Coach of the Year seven times, and Wisconsin State Coach of the Year in 1983. He also coached 12 All-State football players and was selected as head coach of the North team for the inaugural North-South Shrine All-Star Game in 1976.

Bob’s coaching talents extended well beyond football. As head track coach for 12 years, he compiled a record of 149 wins and 12 losses, with 10 conference championships, 10 regional titles, and 10 sectional titles. In eight years as golf coach, he led his teams to an impressive 428 wins and 91 losses, earning six conference championships, two regional titles, producing two All-State golfers, and winning a State Championship in 1995.

Beyond coaching, Bob gave generously of his time to his community. He served on the St. John’s Lutheran Church Council and was a member of the Kiwanis Board of Directors. He also refereed football and basketball for more than 30 years, officiating numerous WIAA and WISA state championship events. In 1981, he was honored as Mosinee’s Citizen of the Year and in 2026 he was inducted into the WBCA Referee Hall of Fame.

Away from the gym, track, and football field, Bob enjoyed the simpler pleasures of life. He was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan, an enthusiastic golfer, and happiest spending time on the pontoon boat at the lake. Minocqua held a special place in his heart, and the lake house was one of his favorite places to be. He also enjoyed the comfort of his recliner, channel surfing, and keeping up with Judge Judy, one of his favorite television personalities. 

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Jodine Coy; his sons, Bob Coy (Janice), Todd Coy (Missy), and Ric Coy; his brother, Bill Coy; six grandchildren, Ben Coy, Abby Scott (Dylan), Mandy Price (David), Casey Coy (Alaina), Sidney Burns (RJ), and Colton Coy; and eight great-grandchildren. Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Gretchen Coy. His family was his greatest pride, and his love for them was the foundation of everything he did.

Bob’s life was a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and relationships. He spent decades building winning teams, but his greatest victories were the lives he touched along the way. His influence will live on in the lessons passed down, the memories shared, and the many people who will forever be proud to say they played for him, worked with him, learned from him, or simply knew him.

The final whistle has blown, but the legacy continues.

A celebration of Bob’s life will take place this summer in Minocqua at the lake house he loved so much. Details will be shared at a later date. 

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