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###March 9, 2024: Stepson Jacob (Diane's son, 39) has first child, son "Turner". Bob was excited to fly back to Wisconsin to meet his new grandson. ###March 20, 2024: Diane receives a phone call from Riverside County Sherrifs department, news that stepdad Bob was killed on his motorcycle in Palm Springs. (Vehicle from oncoming lane turned left, cutting off Bob's motorcycle) ###June 22, 2024: Just after Jacob finished attending the funeral service of his father that same day (Butch Zimmerly, died May 14th, 2024), a tornado skirted past the edge of Bob and Diane's business, causing over one million dollars worth of damage to The Back Bar, at 1901 Beloit Ave in Janesville, along with the warehouse attached, which Jacob previously operated as a maintenance shop, while working for Bob as a sort of groundskeeper, mowing and trimming the complex, along with Bob's house and his other bar, "Bobbleheads". Jacob also mowed and prepared the "Back of The Yards" softball fields attached to the Back Bar property, which Bob owned and operated. (See section "property-info" below) ###July, 2024: Diane made the decision to sell The Back Bar's property along with the large personal warehouse attached, and made an announcement on Facebook (via back bar page (see "facebook announcements below) ###August 2024 to February 1st, 2025: Diane made a deal with another business owner, for him to buy a lot of the items in the warehouse. Still having a lot of things left, Jacob and a few of Diane's friends moved all the Back Bar/warehouse contents, which included most of Bob's personal things, to the building that was once Bobbleheads bar, and also rented 6 storage units.

##Property Significance: The Back Bar & "Back of The Yards" ###The Back Bar: An established live music venue in southern Wisconsin. Originally operated as "The Back Bar" by Dennis Muth, the venue later transitioned into a hip-hop nightclub. Upon acquiring the property, Bob Kerman operated it as a nightclub for a period before making an abrupt shift to re-focus the venue on live rock music, deliberately honoring the venue’s roots and reclaiming the original "The Back Bar" branding. ###Back of The Yards Softball Complex: ####Historical Context: The name "Back of the Yards" has served as a fixture in Janesville’s recreational landscape for decades. As a primary destination for local softball leagues and athletes, it was a storied site for competition. ####Revitalization Project: After consulting with Dennis Muth, Kerman committed to a massive project to revitalize the overgrown ballfields behind the venue. The scope of work was extensive, including fence removal and installation, complete site grading, paving of new paths, sod placement, and significant electrical upgrades. ####Family & Operational Collaboration: The project was a true family-driven effort. Bob Kerman directed the vision and micromanaged the process to ensure his standards were met. Kyle Pucek contributed essential electrical expertise and managed contractor coordination. Jacob Zimmerly (stepson) served as the lead for the intensive field development. This included physical site preparation and the labor-intensive establishment of the outfield grass—a process that required Jacob to move seven tripod sprinklers every three to four hours for over a month, alongside manual weeding, to ensure the complex was ready for play. ####Professional Impact: The property served as the site of Jacob Zimmerly’s early career development. As a groundskeeper and maintenance lead, Jacob managed the complex, the softball infields, and related properties (including Kerman’s residence and "Bobbleheads" bar). This experience provided the direct foundation for Jacob's current career as a foreman in commercial property services.

##Facebook Source 1, Announcement of Continuation: July 31, 2024: Announcement on The Back Bar's facebook page, by Bob's wife Diane: >“As you all know, the first half of 2024 has been devastating for our family and the Back Bar team. With the passing of Bob, followed by tornado damage to the property, recovery has been extremely difficult. We appreciate your understanding as we put the pieces back together. To dispel any rumors or assumptions, here is the current update: Back Of The Yards Softball leagues are scheduled to resume next week as repairs continue. The Back Bar Live music will resume as soon as building repairs have been completed. We anticipate construction crews will have this done in a timely manner. Scheduled shows and bookings will resume. Our annual Back Bar Charity Car, Truck & Bike Show will continue as scheduled for October 13th. Thank you so much for your continued support and patience. If you have any questions, please consult with our family directly. Diane Kerman & Family, Kyle, Joe, Laura Jane & Jacob and The Back Bar Team The show will go on - stronger than ever See you at The Back Bar.” - Comments on post: • Nico Ann: Your strength and perseverance are such an inspiration. Keep kicking ass, Diane • Makalu Gee: FUCK YEAH!!! • Terry Heller: You are a awesome family • Joe Sagaitis: Terry Hodgson • Greg Dellmann: Always persevere! • Hunterdog Billygoat: We love you all!! • Stephanie Jennings: This is wonderful news! • Ashlyn Schyvinck: see you soon • Mindi Smith: This is so wonderful to hear! You have been thru it all and are pushing thru!! Hugs!! • Charlie Gilmore: Way to stay strong!!! • Jill Costerisan: Fuckin A • Terry Hodgson: Awesome news !!! If you need help with things. I'm available after 3pm weekdays except the next 2 Thursdays. Free time on the weekends. Keep moving forward !!!! • Anthony Alcala: MY HEART BLEEDS for you and the family through the devastation, you have all been in my heart and prayers even from afar, I'm proud and happy that you have all stayed strong and steered the course and have not given up. And Diane Kerman I still have it on my schedule to be back in Wisconsin for the car show... BOB TOLD ME..."YOU ARE FAMILY NOW.. YOU CAN'T GO ANYWHERE" AND I DON'T PLAN TO...THANK you ALL for your love and CANT WAIT to see you all soon!!!!!! • Billy Youngblood: Diane Kerman our team would like to partner with you to help anyway possible. We love you all very much and consider you family. God bless you and please reach out asap for anything. • Michelle Strohrigl: Can't wait to keep rockin w everyone again.. you are so strong n such an inspiration Diane Kerman ..my 2nd family forever.. Love n Hugs to you!! • Lorrie O'Connor: I am happy to see an update so the world knows how amazing and strong this family continues to be. You know I am here 1000% for you, anything you need, general jackassery and ready to work the car show again. You are family. I love you all • Brenda Hamilton: You've been in my thoughts & prayers , Diane. You're a very strong woman, with a lot on your plate. If anyone can power through this, you can. Hugs to you • Shawn Anthony Morgan: Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve given to the whole rock community!! Love you all at the The Back Bar!! • Ethan Barkman: Wish you guys all the best and sending prayers! • Suzanne Hamilton: You got this Diane You have lots of friends and family who care • Kat Pufahl DeKeyser: Great news!!!!!! • Jamie Salzman: This is great to hear, Diane. Definitely been concerned about you. This also answers questions the were asked to me this weekend by Hannah Volz and Christopher Volz/Flaw. Looking forward to more live music again! • Michael Smith: Your strength and resolve is unmatched. My heart goes out to you, your family, and the entire Back Bar team. You are loved by many. • Rick Soeprasetyo: All the love in the world from myself and everyone in From Ashes To Embers • John Carpenter Jr.: WE will be there! • Amy Gudeyon: Love you, and this post SO MUCH!! • Elizabeth Tinder: Sending you and family love. Your strength is an inspiration for us all. • Jerry Mills: Love you • Valerie Richter: Love you Diane. Keep up the good work. I admire your strength. • Jasmine Cochrane: Aww thanks Diane Kerman for the updates. Ur amazing • David Drejas: This is incredible news! • Shock Leitner: Good to hear! • Tara Twanda: Stay strong girl you got a lot going on! And you’re doing a great job at it as always • Troy Haynes: • Ryan Suchanek: Great to hear! • Jimmy Newquist: Excellent • Kaj Anderson: It'll be good to be back and on stage again. Thank you, Diane, and the Back Bar staff for working through this very difficult time so the rest of us can enjoy the Bar again! ---

--- ##Facebook Source 2, Announcement of Business Closing: October 6th, 2024: Announcement on The Back Bar's facebook page, by Bob's wife Diane: >“To all of our Back Bar friends and family - All of us came together over a common bond, Bob Kerman, and his passion for music. It was his beautiful mind, communication with bands and keeping track of logistics and organization that brought southern Wisconsin the outstanding live music venue. Over much consideration of Bob's legacy and what it means for all of us, we, as a family, have made the decision to list The Back Bar and property for sale. This very tough decision comes with very heavy hearts and mixed emotions. Bob had the passion and drive to succeed, and without him, it would be impossible to deliver the same atmosphere. Most of all, we will miss what we had. So many experiences and memories. Endless talent. A beautiful community. We love you all, thank you dearly for your continued generous outpouring of support. • Diane and family, Laura Jane, Kyle, Jacob & Joe In light of this decision, the October 13th Charity Car Show has been cancelled. Please direct property inquiries to: https://www.cbcworldwide.com/properties/RSB82Z/1901-beloit-ave” Comments on post: • Sarah Foley: That was a great venue. Good times and memories with Spine there. Hope to see you again. • Jessica Pignato: Make shareable so we can repost for you • Jeff Gassen: Running a bar like this takes a lot Time and hard work. I completely get where you're coming from on this difficult decision. Stay Strong. • Susan Keichinger Raupp: Wishing you the very best Diane Kerman and family, hugs! • Lorrie O'Connor: So many memories and family made there. My life would be entirely different if I hadn't met you and Bob - and I'm so glad and thankful for the blessing of our friendship. My heart hurts but my love for y'all is even stronger. As I said when I put a big red gerber daisy on his resting place, you're never getting rid of me. I love you all and am here for anything. I will be sure to see you soon. • Dori Mike Conlin: Diane, thinking of you. What a difficult decision this must have been. • Amy Gudeyon: I can't tell you how much this devastates me • Russ Kutak: Is there maybe a free show we could play to help say thank you and benefit the family? I know my band Land of Linkin would be there, as Bob Kerman always was for us!! • Kim Murdock: you’re on our minds and in our hearts! • Zack Zweifel: Best wishes to the family! • Ben Miller: Everyone should be behind you. So many memories with good friends and so many of those friends turned into a family. Hopefully someone will make that place their own and fill it with their own passion as Bob did for so many years. • Vonnie Reed Chapman: We have a lot of awesome memories at the Back Bar while sharing Bob's love of bringing great music to Janesville. I can only imagine how hard this decision must have been. Love and hugs to y'all. • Michelle Grenawalt: I'm sad to hear this news! Bob did an amazing job at bringing the best bands local, I hope that someone invest in the history of the back bar and keeps his legacy alive. Again, I'm sorry for your loss Diane Kerman and family. • Jill Costerisan: I’m beyond words. This is too sad. I didn’t think this would happen • Jill Costerisan: Anyone interested in starting a co-op to keep it open? It can’t close • Kat Pufahl DeKeyser: So sad, but you need to do what's best for your family! Best of luck • Anthony Alcala: ALWAYS IN MY PRAYERS with LOVE and will always be THANKFUL to have been JUST A SMALL PART of the legacy.. THANK you • William Jones: Rip Bob Kerman • Dawn Burdick: Stay strong , I'm sure Bob's spirit is guiding you. • Jon Flip Boss: Very sad. Definitely understand your position. Thanks for having us and treating us like we were way cooler than we are • Michael Barts: May Bob's memory forever be a blessing. Continued Best Wishes to you and your family. • Melody Rehr: Thinking of you & the family. I know this had to be a hard decision. Love & Hugs • Kevin Wesley Williams: This is very sad yes indeed. Bob really did do wonders and made a lot of people happy and have the ability to have a great venue to perform at. We (ELSIE BINX) used this awesome venue as the backdrop for this video. Thanks Bob. Till we meet again, my friend. Wishing you all the best of luck. • Billy Youngblood / Nick Katsilieris: • Theresa Hissong: I’m so sorry. Bob and the Back Bar will forever hold a special place in my life. • Ron Staff: Oh no.... this is a sad day indeed!!! Love and miss him. I wish there was a way I could do something to keep it going... I will be doing a lot of thinking on this... • Cody Criswell: Both Bob and The Back Bar will be sorely missed. • John Harrison: Loved playing there • Michael Smith: I have many years of great memories to hold on to. I wish you and your family nothing but the best in the future. I will miss everyone. • Jeffrey Wood: It'd be cool if there was a way to see the list of shows who have come through...maybe show posters or ticket 🤨🤨...that'd make a really cool coffee table book... Sources: