Obituaries

Robert “Rob” Albin Melsness, 42, passed away on May 4, 2025, at his home in Eau Claire, WI. Robert was born on September 27, 1982, in Rice Lake, WI.

He was somewhat of a local celebrity, a persona known widely as “Rob Toodope” and rumored to have known “half of Facebook.” Always surrounded by friends, he brought vibrant energy with him wherever he went and was the life of the party. He had a lifelong love of video games, with his favorite franchises being Final Fantasy, Legend of Zelda, and GTA. Rob immersed himself with his favorite music, most notably the Insane Clown Posse - a musical talent for which he had attended numerous concerts over the years and appropriately presented as an evil clown in the crowd with his closest friends and Juggalos. Rob looked forward to the local music festivals of Rock Fest, Country Fest, and Country Jam. Rob was protective for those all around him. At the music festivals he continued to demonstrate this virtue by often working security to ensure people were able to safely enjoy the event.

Rob was a staple in nightlife from his youth where he always attended local weekend high school dances until the end where he was known to canvas the local establishments. He brought diverse people and personalities together and loved to host anyone that would show up at his beloved bonfires and gatherings at home - no invitation required. This beneficent and welcoming nature resulted in many foundational friendships, some of which are decades old.

Rob loved good food and was rumored by his cousin to have a radar for when a backyard barbecue was just beginning. Once also known as “KFC Rob,” he was known to feed the masses, often bringing food to local establishments, such as Big T’s, and sharing a bounty with everyone present - all were welcome. He was never afraid to be himself and loved to be different, especially when it brought laughter and joy to those around him. Often, he would dress extravagantly and quickly become the center of attention in his adventures.

We have lost a hardworking, kind, and generous soul and heaven has gained an angel. Rob’s bold spirit will undoubtedly live on in the hearts, memories, and stories of everyone who knew him. Our family chain is broken and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one the chain will link again.

A combination celebration of life and benefit with raffle will be held on Saturday, May 17 at 12:00PM to 3:00 PM at his favorite establishment Seymour Swigs - 999 Malden Ave. Eau Claire, WI. The family requests memorial donations be brought to his celebration of life, online contributions also accepted at Rob’s Go Fund Me page (https://gofund.me/f6800468) to assist with final expenses.