Robert J. Piekenbrock Sr. 1927-2008

PIEKENBROCK, SCHMID, SCHERPER, REIMAN, SWAIN, HENNELLY

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 3/1/2008 at 20:27:59

Robert J. Piekenbrock Sr.

Robert J. Piekenbrock Sr., 80, of Whitefish Bay, Wis., formerly of Dubuque, entered into the fullness of Eternal Life, Monday, Jan. 7, 2008.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Monica's Catholic Church, Whitefish Bay. Entombment will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Dubuque. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Feerick Funeral Home, 2025 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, Wis., where there will be a vigil prayer service at 7:45 p.m.

"Little Bobby Piekenbrock," was the name given him by Dubuque's Telegraph Herald, with the newspaper's heading "Eight year-old boy who swam the Sippi." Bob was born on Dec. 2, 1927, and while spending his childhood in Dubuque, without supervision and only a lad to swimming, was the youngest boy ever to swim across the Mississippi. At the young age of 8, Bob already had set for himself a life that stood out from others with determination and a willingness to excel. When Bob moved to Milwaukee, he took with him the perseverance of hard work and dedication revealed to him by the family company, E.B. Piekenbrock and Sons.

After moving to Milwaukee, Bob continued his fondness for swimming at the Elks and Eagle Clubs and most of all, the MAC (Milwaukee Athletic Club). Bob's membership, as a second-generation member at the MAC, was one of his greatest pleasures. His son, Bob Jr. now represents a third- generation MAC member. Bob Sr. was not only a MAC emeritus life member but a member of Tripoli Country Club and former member of Ozaukee Country Club and the Brown Deer Men's Club. In addition, he patronized many other golf courses both locally and internationally.

As a young man in Milwaukee Bob was a certified lifeguard at Gordon Park, McKinley Beach, Kletzsch Park, Estabrook Park and Bradford Beach. He earned several certificates of honor for reviving drowning victims and at the age of 17 was given the "Citation of Courageous Conduct" from the City of Milwaukee after he, with "unhesitating courage" diving into stormy water tossing six foot waves, saved a young boy's life. Bob also, while off duty as a lifeguard and fully clothed, jumped into the river to save another young man. I think it would be fair to say that Bob was not just an ordinary guy.

Bob was a graduate of Marquette University High School and University of Wisconsin-Madison. While in college, he was a member of the NROTC program and the Sigma Chi fraternity and is still an alumni chapter member. He was proud to serve his country as a midshipman during the Korean Conflict and received the U.S.N.R. Korea National Honor and Ceremonial Guard at Arlington Cemetery. While serving in the military, he was stationed in Washington, D.C., and a Heavy Cruiser U.S.S. Oregon City in the Caribbean and on U.S.S. Boxer Aircraft Carrier in Alameda Naval Air Station, Pacific Theater and Hawaii.

Although Bob had a tremendous zest and love for life's many joys, he also was an extremely hard worker, not to mention a wonderful husband and involved father. He continued to keep the family company alive in the distribution of fine leather until his retirement. Bob was a member of Gyro International. He also volunteered his time to help facilitate the transportation of used medical supplies to non-profit medical groups in Third World countries.

Throughout Bob's time with us, he has come to know many famous people in film, theatre and, of course, golf. His most notable friends, however, are his longtime friendships with many wonderful people he has come to know and love in his lifetime. He made it a point to instill in his family the importance of family love and loyalty, patience and understanding, and his family has thrived accordingly. There is no doubt that his outgoing and prodigious spirit will live on in his family and friends. Bob, until we meet again, we will all miss you. But, boy, while you were here, you sure were a lot of fun.

He was a devoted husband of Jeanne (Schmid) for 51 years; loving father of, Jane (Jon) Scherper, Patty (Greg) Reiman, Ann (Christopher) Swain, Bob (Susan) Piekenbrock Jr. and Mary (Tom) Hennelly; admired grandfather of, Eric and Sara Scherper, Robby, Rebecca and Patrick Reiman, Katie, Jack, Charlie, and Bobby Swain, Paige and Robert III "Pike" Piekenbrock, and Lauren, P.J. and Libby Hennelly; treasured brother of, Dr. Thomas (the late "Doe") Piekenbrock and the late Jack Piekenbrock. Further survived by dear nieces and nephews, other caring relatives and precious in-laws.

The Piekenbrock family would like to extend many thanks, and their sincere gratitude to Dr. Scott Jorgensen and Dr. Allan Torkelson as well as the many nurses and other staff at Columbia St. Mary's Ozaukee Hospital for the outstanding care given to Bob.

Copyright (c) Woodward Communications, Inc. 2008, All Rights Reserved. Dubuque Telegraph Herald, Wednesday, January 9, 2008