Robert J. Warnke's Obituary
ROBERT JAMES WARNKE
On Monday, August 23, 2021, Robert “Pudge” Warnke passed away peacefully at the the age of 78. Bob was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many.
Bob was born on November 1st, 1942 in Oshkosh, WI to Edward and Ruth (Dibble) Warnke. After a career in frog farming in his youth, he became a Black Shoe in the Navy, serving in San Diego and Hawaii. Following his service, he married his wife Beth (Biebl) in September 1969 and had three children, Benjamin, Ruthann, and Samuel.
He worked at Leach Company for 37 years before starting a career in real estate, which lasted 15 years. He had many business endeavors throughout his life, such as a laundromat owner, landlord, furniture salesman and CEO of his own lawn chair company, Just-A-Merry Company.
Bob also enjoyed being active in his community as a scout leader, as a St. Vincent’s church picnic organizer, and as a Winnebago County Board Member. For nearly 20 years on The County Board, he served on various committees including The Veterans Service Commission (Chair), The Highway Committee (Vice Chair), The Industrial Development Board, The Legislative Committee, and The Aviation Committee. As part of The Aviation Committee, Bob was instrumental in the creation of the new General Aviation Terminal at Wittman Regional Airport. One of Bob’s crowning achievements was earning his bachelor’s degree from The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh at the young age of 70.
In addition to his numerous accomplishments, Bob had many interests and passions. He was an avid golfer at Lakeshore Golf Course and a lifelong fisherman of Lake Winnebago. He also enjoyed swimming at The YMCA, where he swam a length for every year of his life on his birthday. He treasured being “Bubba” to his granddaughters, always had candy in his pockets to secretly share with them, and never missed a game or event. He enjoyed polka music and Bob Dylan. When Bob was around, you were guaranteed a laugh, a drink, and a few words of wisdom.
Bob is survived by his wife Beth; three children, Benjamin (Kimberlie) Warnke, Ruthann (Scott) Peck, and Samuel Warnke; three grandchildren, Addison, Jasmine, and Hailey; brother Edward (Clarice) Warnke; nieces and nephews, Diane Straw, John Warnke, Deanne Lashbrook, Carrie Warnke, Michael Warnke, Julia Friedman, and Nick Yahnke; and John Pata. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Ruth Warnke and a brother, Richard Warnke.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Bob on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 10:30 am in St.Jude Parish, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, corner of 6th and Knapp Streets in Oshkosh. The Rev. Louis Golamari as celebrant. A time of visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9 am until the time of Mass. Burial with full military honors will take place at Riverside Cemetery.
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