Robert Wathke

Robert E. (Bob) Wathke, age 87, of Eau Claire, WI passed away peacefully at Milestone Senior Living on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 surrounded by family and loved ones.

Bob was born October 6, 1936 to Erwin and Martha (Jacot) Wathke in the township of Washington, Eau Claire County.  He graduated from Fall Creek High School.  Bob was inducted into the Army in January 1959 for service in Korea.  He was honorably discharged in December 1964.

Bob married Joyce Adams on July 22, 1961 and enjoyed 57 years of marriage.  During their marriage they enjoyed dancing, traveling and making very special memories for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  The family holds tight to all these memories of family picnics, fishing trips, hunting and very special holiday celebrations.  Bob had the very special talent of playing his accordion which he especially loved doing during those special holiday celebrations.  Bob was well sought after for preparing the best ever potato salad for every gathering.

Bob’s biggest passion was fishing followed by cheering on/yelling at the Packers.  He also spent many hours tending to his vegetable, strawberry, and flower gardens.  He was especially fond of the flower gardens that provided Joyce with fresh flower bouquets.

Bob is survived by his children: Randy (Kay) Wathke, Brian (Kathy) Wathke and Sandra (Kevin) Lierman.

Grandchildren: Julie (Kyle) Marucheck, Mitch Wathke, Joe Wathke, Eric (Amanda) Lierman, Jason (Melissa) Lierman, Brandon (Ashly) Wathke, Tyler Wathke (Arianna Johnson).

Great grandchildren: Collin Stuve, Wyatt and Tessa Marucheck, Aaron and Evan Lierman, Braxton and Barrett Lierman, Everett Wathke.

His brother Dave (Connie) Wathke; sister Judy Tollefson; brother-in-law Bob Peterson, sisters-in-law Marilyn Wathke, Gerri Wathke, and Linda Stechnesser. Bob is also survived by many nieces and nephews, numerous other relatives, and a whole host of friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, parents,  brothers Loren, Wally, Roger Wathke; sisters Bernice Arneson, Lois Zais, Bev Peterson; brothers-in-law John Tollefson, Vern Arneson and Charlie Zais; nephews Randy and Dan Zais, and Jeff Wathke; great grandson Braydon Marucheck.

A service will be held at 11 Am on November 22nd at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 3220 Monroe St, Eau Claire, WI with Fr. James Kurzynski officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the time of service.

Burial will be at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery, township of Seymour, Eau Claire County.

The family of Bob Wathke would like to thank Milestone Senior Living and the Heartland Hospice for all their love and support.