Bob Uecker, a Milwaukee native and an enduring figure in baseball, died on January 16, 2025, at the age of 90. Best known as the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, Uecker became synonymous with the sport in Wisconsin, earning the nickname “Mr. Baseball” and a spot in the Hall of Fame’s broadcasters’ wing.
The Brewers announced his passing on Thursday morning, calling it “one of the most difficult days in Milwaukee Brewers history.” A brief playing career as a catcher in the major leagues led to a celebrated broadcasting career spanning over five decades.
Uecker’s sharp wit and deep knowledge of the game made him a beloved figure not just in Milwaukee but nationwide. Beyond the commentary booth, Bob also appeared in commercials and TV sitcoms, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. His family revealed in a statement that the old man had been battling small-cell lung cancer since early 2023.
While Uecker’s professional life was filled with accolades and admiration, his personal life was fraught with heartbreaking losses. The former player-turned-broadcaster endured the deaths of his first wife and two of his children before his own passing.
To explore more about his personal life, including his early marriage to Joyce, keep reading as we delve into the details of his family and relationships.
Uecker’s First Marriage to Joyce: A Journey Marked by Triumphs and Tragedies
Bob Uecker married his first wife, Joyce, in 1956, and their union lasted nearly two decades before ending in divorce in 1975. Together, they built a family of four children: Leeann (b. 1957), Steve (b. 1958), Sue Ann, and Bob Jr. While Sue Ann and Bob Jr. continue to live their lives, the family has endured heartbreaking losses over the years.
Steve, born on April 7, 1958, passed away just one day shy of his 54th birthday on April 6, 2012, due to complications from San Joaquin Valley Fever. A Milwaukee native and graduate of Menomonee Falls East High School (class of 1977), Steve moved west after graduation.
He lived in Vail, Colorado, where the star kid worked as a chef and became an expert skier before relocating to Bakersfield, California. There, Steve opened Front Row Pizza and found his true calling as a cowboy, working for several notable ranches, including Deer Creek Cattle and Noble Cattle.
Bob and Joyce’s eldest daughter, Leeann “Lee” Uecker Ziemer, was born on May 20, 1957, and passed away peacefully on March 11, 2022, after battling ALS. Leeann lived in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
Tragedy also struck with Joyce’s passing on July 16, 2015, at the age of 81. Joyce was a skilled professional with a talent for managing and growing businesses. Her career spanned various roles, including banking, working as a travel agent for AAA in Milwaukee, and serving as a manager for Wisconsin Craftsman.
Bob Uecker’s Second Wife Was Judy
After parting ways with his first wife, Joyce, Bob found love again and married Judy in 197 in Louisiana. The couple shared 25 years together before divorcing in 2001. During their marriage, they lived in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where Uecker balanced his personal life with his growing career as a beloved broadcaster and entertainer.
