News Summary
Milwaukee is grieving the passing of Rob Wieland, a key contributor to Milwaukee Record and influential figure in local gaming and nerd culture. He died at 48, leaving behind memorable writings and a vibrant legacy in tabletop gaming, comics, and community engagement. Wieland’s thoughtful and humorous approach to storytelling made a lasting impact on his peers and the communities he cherished.
Milwaukee is mourning the loss of Rob Wieland, a prominent writer for Milwaukee Record, who passed away at the age of 48. Wieland was a dedicated contributor since the publication’s inception in 2014, leaving behind a significant impact on the local nerd culture and gaming communities.
Wieland’s most recent articles were published in March and August of this year, where he continued to delve into topics that resonated strongly with fans of tabletop games and geek culture. His writing was an integral part of Milwaukee Record’s identity, as he often explored niche subjects that engaged the community. Some of his notable articles include “Where to play D&D in MKE,” “A certain point of view: Milwaukee’s connection to Star Wars reference site Wookieepedia,” and “How to huzzah! A guide to costumed performers at the Bristol Renaissance Faire.”
In addition to his work with Milwaukee Record, Rob Wieland was widely recognized as a “professional nerd.” He extensively covered topics related to tabletop role-playing games for various media outlets, including Forbes. A respected game designer, Wieland contributed to official gaming books associated with popular franchises such as Star Wars and Firefly and was celebrated for his storytelling skills and trivia expertise.
Wieland’s creativity extended beyond writing; in 2022, he published a comic book titled Girls’ Heist Out, illustrated by Manuela Soriani. He was also the founding member of the Milwaukee gaming group Theatre of the Mind Players, which encouraged players to explore and enjoy various tabletop formats.
Colleagues and friends remembered Wieland as someone who combined humor with vast knowledge, often being described as kind, inclusive, and thoughtful. His efforts to champion creativity and foster community bonds within the gaming and nerd cultures contributed positively to those around him. His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief, reflecting the depth of his connections with many.
Wieland was also known for being a devoted father and husband, a facet of his life that resonated profoundly with family, friends, and the community he cared for. He leaves behind a legacy that many are expected to cherish for years to come.
In remembrance, Milwaukee Record co-founder Tyler Maas acknowledged Wieland’s extensive knowledge and ability to connect others to new ideas through his writing, showcasing his passion for sharing information. Fellow contributors of Milwaukee Record expressed their sorrow and shared fond memories of Rob, highlighting their experiences with him. Wieland’s contributions are set to be remembered as a crucial part of the cultural fabric he helped weave into Milwaukee’s vibrant community.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Record: R.I.P. Rob Wieland
- Milwaukee Record: Rob Wieland Talks GIRLS’ HEIST OUT
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Rob Wieland Obituary
- Milwaukee Record: Where to Play D&D in MKE
- Milwaukee Record: Life and Death of Robert Tractor Traylor
- Wikipedia: Rob Wieland
- Google Search: Rob Wieland
- Google Scholar: Rob Wieland
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rob Wieland
- Google News: Rob Wieland
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
