July 11, 2018 – Kewaskum, WI – Robert J. “Bob” Nieskes Sr., 80, of Elmore, passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2018, at Hope Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lomira.
Bob was born on August 6, 1937, the son of the late Oscar “Ozzie” and Anna (nee Schumacher) Nieskes. On August 13, 1983, he was united in marriage to Christine Lauters at Timmer’s Resort. They were married for 35 years and enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S. and to Aruba, going to Alaska, as well as many trips to South Dakota, and Bob’s favorite fishing hole at the Way Dam Resort on the Michigamme Flowage in Michigan.
Bob loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, boating, riding his Harleys, chopping wood, and tinkering in the shed. He would often be found with a can of Old Style in his hand, telling jokes and BS’ing with his buddies. He raised pigeons and always had numerous critters running amok. Bob was known by many nicknames – those that stuck were Hodge, Uncle Bob, and Barnyard Bob due to his ever present bib overalls.
He was a member of Carpenters Local 2283 since 1958. Bob worked for various construction contractors and retired in 1999 from Luterbach Construction. He will be remembered as a gifted craftsman who had an eye for detail.
Those Bob leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Christine; 9 children, Kathie (Dave) Plaisance of Stevens Point, Bob Jr. (Jill) Nieskes of West Bend, Nick Nieskes of Tucson, AZ, Mike (Simone) Nieskes of Olathe, KS, Joel Nieskes of Newburg, Karri Weckwerth of West Bend, Tim (Lisa) Nieskes of Cedarburg, Kelly (Paul Zwick) Lauters of West Bend, and Christopher (Kate Miller) Nieskes of St. Michaels; 10 grandchildren, Camille and Caitlin Plaisance, Stephanie, Mitchell, and Mathew Nieskes, Peyton and Taylor Weckwerth, Oscar Nieskes, Shyleen Lauters, and Serena Bivens; a great-grandson, Ian Nieskes; a brother, Richard (Phyllis) Nieskes of Crystal Falls, MI; two brothers-in-law, Jeff (Beth) Lauters of Steele, ND and Randy (Cathy) Lauters of Brownsville; a sister-in-law, Karen (Gary Collins) Lauters of St. Joseph, MO; and his father-in-law, Ronald Lauters of Campbellsport; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by a brother, Douglas Nieskes; a brother-in-law, Scott Lauters; his mother-in-law, Crescentia Lauters; and his beloved labs, Jake and Sadie, and a step-dog, Jinzi.
A memorial service for Bob will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 15, 2018, at the Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home, 215 Forest Avenue, in Kewaskum, with Rev. Paul Reede officiating.
Bob’s family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
The family would like to thank the staff at Hope Health and Rehabilitation Center , especially Eva for her kindness and consideration. Also, a special thank you to Bob’s care taker at home, Nikita Luebke and her son Bentlee.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or your local Humane Society is appreciated.