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BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

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Brookfield, Wisconsin

Robert Caldart Obituary

Caldart, Robert "Bob" Longtime Brookfield Central H.S. art teacher, Bob passed away on May 11, 2012. He will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends & students. He was the devoted father of Tom (Dawn), the late Cristin, the grandfather of Alemitu and Selame, the beloved husband of Karen and special brother of 6 siblings. Visitation will be held at the Funeral on Saturday May 19 from 11AM-2PM with a Memorial Service from 2-3PM and a reception to follow. If desired, memorials to the Washington County Humane Society or the Robert Caldart Student Art Fund would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from May 13 to May 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Caldart

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Mary Lou Lackey

May 7, 2022

He loved the singer Judy Collins. We were talking about folk singers while working on our art projects 1969-1970. He was so right when he said she sang with a pitch that was right on. I guess one kind of artist can certainly recognize another kind of artist. Always he will be one of my favorite teachers.

Jim and Debbie Hansen

May 7, 2020

My husband and I are so grateful having been in his class in high school. And for Jim going to Europe with him. We recently took a ride out to Hartford to see the neighborhood Mr. Caldart lived. Back then we were there at a art fair he sponsored to see the unique homes and crafts. It definitely has changed. He impressed us in so many ways artistically.

gini (morack) oliva

June 6, 2012

Mr. Caldart, (coincidence his name has the word "art" in it), and his Ceramic Art Classes are my high school memories from the Class of 1972. I still have a couple of the pieces-- not because they were that good but rather the good they represent. Loved Mr. Caldart.

Fred Barber

May 31, 2012

Many of you may not know that before he was at Central, during the early '60's, Mr. Caldart taught at Brookfield Elementary School. He was just as beloved there as anywhere. One funny memory is of an Ice Cream Social for which he was decorating the cafeteria. He took some students outside somewhere to gather some pretty foliage as part of the scheme. Unfortunately, the foliage turned out to be poison sumac! Nobody was seriously hurt, but he was red (both literally and figuratively) for some time thereafter!

Inge Desmedt

May 30, 2012

It was sad to hear that 'Mr. Caldart' , my art teacher passed away. Fond memories came back of being an AFS student in his class in the year 80-81, the interest he showed in our background and culture, his patience and encouragement in my first steps into the art world. Later I had a chance to meet in my own country on one of his stops on travelling through Belgium. It is a gift to have known him and it made my stay in Wisconsin even richer than it already was. My warm thoughts and gratefulness go to his family now.
From far away , still connected.

May 24, 2012

Mr. Caldart was one of the kindest men I have ever known. I loved working in his classroom, being there was like breathing fresh air. I still have pots that I made in his class so long ago. My condolences to his friends and family at this sad loss. He was a wonderful man and blessed the lives of those around him. Laura Mundschau, Class of '91 (Stevens Point, WI)

Alessandro Lise

May 21, 2012

I will never forget, of my exchange year (1992/1993), the kindness and the caring friendship that Mr. Caldart gave to us AFS students. It was a privilege to meet him and to learn so many things from him about life in the U.S. He was a nice and patient man. Ciao Bob, grazie.

Denise (Marcell)Paukner

May 20, 2012

To the family of Bob Caldart, so sorry to hear of your great loss. He was my ceramic teacher from 1974-1976 and he was always so patient and kind, and really did care about everyone, and wanted everyone to succeed, even when one of my pieces that went into the kiln looking a little sad and came out looking so beautiful, he'd make such encouraging comments, even though we both knew it was a happy accident, he always was positive and encouraging, letting everyone be an artist in their own way. I still have a beautiful ceramic piece of his that is one of my prized possesions and I will always remember stopping out at his house and shop unannounced years later, and he showed us around his house & studio, introduced us to his wife & they were so gracious to us. Then years later I got married and had a few children and moved to Sheboygan Co., went to a holiday art fair in Kohler at the American Club, and spotted some beautiful ceramics I had to check out, and lo and behold, there was Bob Caldart, my old ceramic teacher and his wife. I'm sure he didn't recognize me after all those years, but he said he did and was just as sweet and kind as always. He was a great example of how we should live our lives in this world, always a friend. Thank-you! And may God bless all those you left behind. Denise(Marcell)Paukner (I'm sure my sister Debbie who told me of Bob's passing would want me to pass her condolances on also.) God Bless!

Paige Donaldson

May 20, 2012

It was an honor, and a pleasure, to attend Saturday's service. Listening to those closest to him share their memories was inspiring. His legacy, live and love (and make) with joy, respect and integrity. He will be missed, and he will be remembered.

Julie Scarmon (Rohloff)

May 19, 2012

I had the good fortune of traveling through Europe at the age of 17 with Mr. Caldart and his wife, Karen, back in 1993. It was one of the best times of my life and I think about that trip often. Mr. Caldart was a very special man and will be dearly missed.

Rebecca Merle (nee Koscinski)

May 19, 2012

I have been thinking of Mr. Caldart for the past two weeks. I was going to call to see if I could catch him on an upcoming visit to Wisconsin. He was such a kind & supportive teacher during a time that was very complicated for me. I wanted to thank him again. I only wish I had followed my inclination picked up the phone. Sending love, thoughts, and comfort to his family during this difficult time. He will live forever in his work and the countless students he inspired!

Dee Hansen

May 19, 2012

So sad to have lost a wonderful, impressionable man. My husband and I both were in Mr. Caldart's class, back in the 70's. We still have his artwork in our garden and Jim, my husband, had the pleasure on traveling to Europe with him.We will always remember him. Thank you for making our life richer. Jim and Dee Hansen

Jean Teutenberg (Bolan)

May 18, 2012

My condolences to the family. Thanks " Uncle Bob" For the Mexico trip 1974, letting us play our albums during class, Sconfinaito subdivision.His kind spirit will live on through his art work that I will cherish forever. Your studio and art inspired my kids. What a wonderful family. God Bless

CHARLIE KVOOL

May 18, 2012

I HAVE MANY FOND MEMORIES OF WORKING WITH BOB AS A FELLOW STAFF MEMBER AT CENTRAL AND HIS GREAT FONDNESS FOR HIS DOGS. ALSO SITTING ON THE CONCRETE COUCH AT HIS HOUSE.

Tracy Ignarski Wallschlaeger

May 18, 2012

Mr. Caldart expanded our family through AFS--I will always be grateful for that. He was a wonderful man and teacher.

Simon Flury

May 17, 2012

As a student at BCHS in 1995, I have been blessed to fall under the umbrella of Mister Caldart. Not only did he invest much of his time and took care of all the exchange students, he was also a model for me and many others. He made me grow up and I am greatly thankful to him and his wonderful wife Karen. All my thoughts to his family and friends.

Fabio Di Pietro

May 17, 2012

I have so many good memories that I will cherish forever. Mr. Caldart had a huge loving heart and was like a father for all the exchange students at BCHS.

Chris Nord (nephew)

May 16, 2012

We'll all miss you Uncle Bob. I consider myself blessed to have some of your artwork that will always remind me of you.

Angela (student 1980's)

May 16, 2012

Mr. Caldart was a sweet man and a great teacher. All of the us students would call him grandpa because, he was a great man like all of our grandpa's. He will be greatly missed.

May 16, 2012

Awesome, awesome man. The world was better because of him!

-Gina (his student 1971-1975)

Jennifer (Hatfield) Davis

May 15, 2012

I am sorry to hear of Mr. Caldart's passing. His art room was a refuge for me in high school (interesting to see here that it was for others as well!). I still have a giant hand-built pot that I made in his classroom (with his guidance) over lunch hour one year; my two-year old daughter likes to hide in it! It was over twenty years ago now since I was in his classroom, but over the years I have periodically wondered what he was up to - that's a lasting impression!!

Karoly Gerke-Woods

May 15, 2012

"Uncle Bob" took 9 of us BCHS ceramic students to Mexico in the summer of 1974. It was my first time on a plane. He definitely knew how to enjoy the world and wasn't afraid to share that enthusiasm. He is one of the few teachers I truly enjoyed having class with each day. My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Caldart.

Janny Mastor Bailey

May 15, 2012

I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Mr. Caldart's art class at BCHS 1970.

Annette Wagner

May 15, 2012

I am so sorry for the loss of my dear friend and teacher. We love your family and offer our condolences to you. Bob has touched our lives in so many ways, what a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Mike Wilkerson

May 15, 2012

While there is truly a sense of loss for me hearing that Mr. C is gone, I've gotta' tell you: Just thinking about the time I spent with him the projects he helped me work on, and the overall sense of accomplishment I felt when leaving his room makes me smile from ear to ear. There are few talisman-level people in my life, but Bob Caldart is way up on the list, folks. More than a true original, the level of thought, caring and vision that Bob had still leaves me (like I am now) with a huge Cheshire grin. Thank you for being the man and influence you were, and for having a classroom that was not only a sanctuary for me during high school - but for the memories that will live with me forever. You sir, will be missed.

Donna Griffith

May 14, 2012

So sad to hear about your Dad Tom. Know I'm thinking of you and your family.

Lori Limón (Brzezinski)

May 14, 2012

With his enthusiasm and love for people, Mr. Caldart literally helped bring the world to Brookfield. He created so many fabulous memories for so many people worldwide thru his tireless efforts in AFS.

Anyone who had the opportunity to know Mr. Caldart should feel very blessed!

He helped you see the world and how wonderful it is! What a fabulous mentor and what a absoulutely fabulous person we had the honour to have in our lives!

My prayers and thoughts are with Mrs. Caldart and all of his family and friends!

We love you and we will miss you Mr. Caldart!

Karen Tschudy-Breslin

May 14, 2012

I am so sad to hear this but very blessed to have him teach me at Brookfield Elementary and then at Brookfield Central. He was my insperation to continue with my love of art. I have a pot that he made in 1972 and I have told many people about the wonderful teacher that made it. My prayers to Mr. Caldart and his family.

Lori Punko

May 14, 2012

I was lucky enough to travel with Mr. and Mrs. Caldart to Europe and I often think of that trip and Mr. Caldart - he had a great sense of humor and love of life. He was a fabulous artist and I enjoy the many pieces of his pottery that I have collected over the years. I feel fortunate to have known him and he will be missed.

Mary Lou Lackey

May 14, 2012

Mr Caldart was my art teacher. He very possibly was the reason I finished high school. His class felt like a refuge during my time at Brookfield Central in the late 60's. I remember his kind heart, his tolerance, and his quiet and subtle comments that were always a boost to his students' self esteems. A wonderful person...and artist!

Judy DeJong Cuff

May 14, 2012

I taught with Bob Caldart at Brookfield Central in the 60's and 70's and not only was he an amazing artist but also a gifted teacher. I was blessed knowing him and am so sorry for his loss.

Dave Schalk

May 13, 2012

I was saddened to learn of his passing today. Mr. Caldart was my high school art teacher and to this day remains an inspiration. I still have some of his pottery and I still think of him and his affable nature, intelligent sense of humor, and generous spirit every time I look at it. I was lucky to have had some good teachers growing up, but he was one of the best.

Randy Vernezze

May 13, 2012

Robert Caldart was a very good Father to his son Tom, and his (now deceased) daughter Christie. He was a devoted husband to his beautiful wife Karen.He served his Community and was well know for his art, particulary his clay relic. When I was a child he would show me how he molded his potteries.The last time I had the pleasure to see him was at out annual family Golf outing.This was only eleven months ago. His poor health didn"t stop him from making some great golf shots. A great man that has inspired anyone lucky enough to know him. He will be missed. Randy Vernezze

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14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

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