Robert W. Barker

Robert W. "Bob" Barker age 86 of Milton, passed away peacefully on Thursday January 23, 2025 at Agrace Hospice, Madison. Bob was born on March 25, 1938 in Milton Junction to Donald and Florence (Freeborn) Barker. He attended Milton Union High School and after graduating began his first of several careers as a truck driver for Badgerland CO-OP. Upon retiring from the CO-OP, Bob started a new position as a furnace technician for Wisconsin Power and Light and stayed there until retiring again after 17 years. Throughout his life, Bob served his community in many ways. He was one of the earliest licensed EMT's in the state and was a 35-year member of the Milton Fire Dept. including serving many years as the Deputy Chief. Bob donated countless hours of his time and expertise to the dept. and worked well into his 70's installing and maintaining the radio equipment used in the fire trucks. During these later years, Bob found his way to providing similar services to the Rock County Sheriff's Dept. working on the patrol car's communication systems. Bob was also an avid amateur radio operator for over 70 years and a member of the M.A.R.S. network which connects deployed Navy personnel at sea with loved ones back in the states. Bob enjoyed fishing his whole life and went on many outings with his close friends and family to northern Wisconsin, Canada and the Great Lakes. He loved to travel and made several trips to Branson, MO to see music shows with his sister Sandy. Vacations to Gulf Shores with the family each spring were always something Bob looked forward to. If there was a good time to be had somewhere it would always be made a little better with Bob's good nature and ever-present smile. Bob is survived by his nephews, Christopher (Jenny) Lukas, and Kevin (Jenny) Lukas, his great nieces and nephews; Justin (Kristina) Kelsey (Jake), Jake (Hayli) Karley, Jaydalyn, Annalee, Allison, great-great nieces and nephews Callan, Weston, Arlo, Sage, Waylon, and Mavelyn and many family and friends. He is proceeded in death by his parents, sister Sandy, and great nephew Colin Lukas. A "Celebration of Life" visitation will be held on Monday February 3, 2025 from 5pm to 7pm at Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton. There will be a time for "sharing of stories" at 7:00 PM. The Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Milton is assisting the family with arrangements.