Robert Poetsch

LIFESTORY:

A man with a quick wit and a fantastic personality, Robert Poetsch touched the lives of those around him in such a special way. He was no stranger to hard work, yet he also knew what it meant to truly live, drinking in so many of the best things that life has to offer. Robert was a devoted husband and loving father who treasured nothing more than being surrounded by his loved ones. With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Robert created a brilliant mosaic of memories that will never be forgotten.

Robert George was welcomed into the world on August 12th 1927 by his parents, George and Viola (Bartz) Poetsch, and was raised in the family home in Waukesha, Wisconsin. He went to Union Elementary School in downtown Waukesha. Robert would recant memories to his grandchildren that, every now and then, in his free time, he went in the woods to search for myrrh mushrooms and, if he found them, his mother would take them cut them in half and fry them with butter and serve them with dinner. He did not have pets because his father did not believe in having captive animals, but that they should roam free. Bob said that one thing he remembered as a child was listening to the radio. He loved to listen to “Amos and Andy”, “The Shadow” and “Roy Rogers” the singing cowboy. He used to harvest radishes, make bundles then sell them for 5 cents a bundle. During high school, Robert started to work at a golf course maintaining it, mowing the greens and getting the golf balls. As a lover of sports, he played football and was a catcher and outfielder in baseball. During his senior year, he sold stamps for the war effort. He graduated from Waukesha High School in 1945. Robert honorably served in the United States Navy during World War II until August 1946 when he returned home safely.

Once home, Robert attended a small collage called Mission House in Sheboygan, then went on to the University of Wisconsin. While in college, he worked at a wide variety of jobs… a draftsman, a construction laborer and even a cement finisher, to help pay the bills. In 1950 he graduated earning a bachelors degree in electrical engineering. True to form, his favorite subjects where math and architectural drawing.

Throughout his life Robert cherished his family. After marrying his first wife Maureen, he was blessed to become the father of two wonderful children: Roberta and James. When they were growing up, their family did quite a bit of traveling together, making memories along the way. Life was forever changed for Robert a bit later when he met a woman named Linda at the Chicago Transit Authority. At the time he was a salesman, while she was an employee, and it wasn’t long before the sparks flew between them. She was attracted to his great personality, and the couple was soon deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together they were married on April 26, 1986, in Chicago, Illinois. Although they didn’t have a honeymoon at that time, they took a belated honeymoon and celebrated 25 years of marriage in Hawaii for their silver anniversary.

During his career Robert was a hard worker, travelling the country for almost four decades as a salesman for companies like Ohio Brass Company and Impulse. Even in retirement he was ambitious and could not sit still. He began consulting work and drove buses for the Interurban Transit Authority usually with his companion Shatzie, his loyal German Shepherd. When Robert decided to stop driving, he was appointed to the Interurban Transit Authority Board. A shrewd and levelheaded businessman, he was rarely dealt with the middle man in business, but preferred to speak with whoever was at the top directly.

With his time off Robert enjoyed pursuing some of his many interests and usually kept busy. He always seemed to be tinkering with something around the house. Roberts latest project was making night lights out of old liquor bottles. He liked watching sports on television, especially baseball and golf. In June of 1992 he shot a hole in one on the West Shore Golf Course in Douglas Michigan. Robert enjoyed cooking on the grill but really enjoyed eating out at The Mermaid Bar and Grill in Saugatuck where he could be surrounded by his friends. Robert had many passions such as socializing with friends, his dogs, golf, hat collecting, gardening, but there was nothing more near and dear to his heart than his family.

Robert was smart and was known for his outstanding personality, and with his quick wit he could entertain those around him with ease. There were so many things to love about Robert Poetsch and life will never be the same without him here. The moments Robert shared with his friends and loved ones will be a lasting treasure for years to come.

Robert Poetsch passed on May 17, 2012. Robert’s family includes his wife, Linda; children, Dr. Roberta Poetsch of Rochester, MN and James Poetsch of Rochester, MN; step son, John and wife Leslie Lundberg of Chicago; 2 grandchildren, Brittany Lundberg and John Lundberg Jr. Memorial services will be held at a later date. No visitation is scheduled. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or ones choice. Arrangements are by Dykstra Funeral Homes. Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.