Obituary for Robert Caston

Robert “Bob” Caston
May 15, 1944 – June 15, 2022

MARSHFIELD – Bob Caston, age 78, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center with his wife by his side.

Bob was born in Camden, New Jersey to Myrtle I. Holland and Robert T. Leithead. He was later adopted by his stepfather, John Caston. He attended Penn State University where he played basketball and graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

Bob lived his entire life in the hospitality industry and had many great stories to tell about his experiences. (Like the one when he was a busboy while Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. sang in Atlantic City.) He worked for Marcus Hotels and Resorts for 25 years and held a variety of leadership roles and was a mentor and friend to many in the industry.  His last position with Marcus was General Manager of the Hilton Madison Downtown. He retired (the first time) in 2012.

His retirement was short lived. In 2012 he started work as Operations Consultant for the Edgewater Hotel redevelopment project. When the hotel re-opened in 2014, he again retired. In 2015, he returned to The Edgewater as Director of Sales.  He retired for good in 2018 as his health issues made it impossible for him to continue. He was a passionate and dedicated hotelier until the end. If you mentioned a vacation, Bob would always ask, “Where are you staying?” Then he’d try to find you a better room rate.

An impeccable dresser, Bob carried himself with such dignity that people would often spot him and wonder, “Is he somebody?” It was this presence that remains strong in the memories of those who met him. Always a gentleman, it was impossible for him to leave an elevator, enter a room, or even proceed through a four-way stop until everyone else had gone before him. He was passionate about all sports and followed the Bucks with great enthusiasm and the Brewers with unwavering optimism.

Bob and Sarah found each other ten years ago. They were married in 2017. Their love and devotion to each other was one of a kind. Together, they discovered new restaurants, drank good wine and loved downtown Madison life. As Bob’s health failed, Sarah dedicated herself to his care and was his fiercest advocate.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sarah (Markwardt) Caston. He is also survived by her children, whom he loved deeply and unconditionally, Claire (Andrew) Martins and Wyatt (Faith Steinert) Stout. He is further survived by his wife’s parents, Dean and Lois Markwardt, Sarah’s brother David Markwardt and his wife, Rachel Dwyer, and their children, Henry and Anna. He was predeceased by his parents and his dearest friend, Frank Bellovary. Frankie’s children, Tony and Nick, and their mother Cathy survive and Bob loved them all dearly.

We must acknowledge the loving care given to Bob by many people. In particular, Amy Peterson, his caregiver and friend who cared for both Bob and Sarah when they needed it most. Thank you for being there, Amy. A special thank you goes to the Palliative Care Unit in Marshfield for their incredible kindness and support in Bob’s final days.

Bob faced catastrophic health challenges over the last few years, but he never lost his determination to recover. The final event, a fall causing trauma to his brain, proved too much for him to overcome. He died as he lived, with grace and dignity.

A memorial celebration of his amazing life will be held later this summer in Madison.

Memorials may be mailed in care of Sarah Caston to 1403 Juno Court, Marshfield, WI 54449.

Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com