Robert John Bartlein passed away on November 29, 2021 at the age of 94. He was born in Milwaukee to Maurice and Agnes (Stanke) on February 14, 1927. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Fran (Winn) Kemnitz and Marge (Alex) Irzyk.

Bob was a student at St. Francis Prep where he excelled in football. He was a halfback and captain of the All Star Team of the Catholic Conference of 1943 and 1944. Bob graduated from St. Francis in January 1945. In February 1945 he joined the Coast Guard to serve his country during World War II. He was honorably discharged after the war in May 1946. He later served in the Army Reserves from October 1949 to February 1952. 

On August 23, 1947 Bob married the love of his life, Janet Drewek. They were married for just over 74 years. Together they raised seven children.  Terry (Dick) Thoune, Mark (Kathy Nett), John, Matt, Luke (Sue Mniszewski), Bert (Bill) Locher and Christopher (Coleen). Terry and Christopher preceded Bob in death. Bob had thirteen (13) grandchildren, thirty seven (37) great grandchildren and one (1) great-great grandchild. He is further survived by nieces and nephews.

Bob joined the Milwaukee Fire Department on June 24, 1948. He joined the Fire Department Scuba Team in 1961. He made Captain in November 1967. He also learned how to play cards extremely well. He retired in May 1979.

Bob spent many years at the cottage on Okauchee Lake where there were many gatherings of aunts and uncles, kids and cousins, nephews and neices and close friends. Bob also enjoyed the chance to fish whenever he could.

After retiring from the Fire Department Bob and Jane moved to L’Anse, Michigan. Their home was right on the bay opening into Lake Superior. And the fishing was superior as attested by the large 48 inch mounted Northern caught by both Bob and Jane without a net. Bob and Jane helped start a St. Vincent De Paul thrift store in L’Anse to help those in financial difficulties. 

For a brief period they moved to Florida, where the fishing wasn’t so good, before returning to Wisconsin. Bob and Jane lived in the Madison area for many years before moving to Oconomowoc.

Bob was a life long, faithful Catholic and spent his final years as a member of St. Jerome’s Catholic church in Oconomowoc. 

Visitation will be held on January 7, 2022 at St. Jerome Catholic Church 995 S. Silver Lake St. Oconomowoc from 10 am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Inurnment will follow at St. Jerome Cemetery. In lieu of flowers make a donation to the charity of your choice.