Obituary published on Legacy.com by Harder Funeral Home - Brookfield on Mar. 20, 2025.
Robert H. Krawczyk
December 18, 1934 - March 7, 2025
Bob passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, surrounded by his immediate family. Before falling asleep in the Lord, Bob had many visitors and received calls from loved ones near and far.
Bob was born to Stanley and Eleanor (nee Mertz) Krawczyk on December 18th,1934 in Milwaukee, WI. Bob grew up in Milwaukee and often spoke of all the good times his childhood had. Bob loved to participate in and watch sports. His favorites were football, tennis, baseball, fishing, hunting, and bowling. He had an avid love for the great outdoors. He moved to Pewaukee, WI and enjoyed all the wildlife and lakes in the area.
Bob was an extremely hard worker. He held many jobs throughout his youth. He explored becoming a chef but sought a job with more consistent work hours so he could be with his family. His professional career consisted of working in the Insurance Industry for 34 years before retiring from Western and Southern Insurance Company. He worked with the underserved and was well respected, trusted, and a friend to all. His clients referred to him as Mr. Bob or Mr. Insurance Man. During his career, he received many awards, trips, and other accolades for his great work.
Bob cherished time with his family and friends above everything else. He was always quick with a joke or prank, and his booming voice and laugh could fill a room. The title he was most proud of holding was Grandpa. He liked to frequent his grandchildren's events and was their biggest supporter. Bob was an enthusiastic sportsman. He loved deer hunting and fishing. He cherished his annual fishing trip vacation (ice fishing and boat fishing) with his brothers and family. Additional pastimes included seasonal drives to view the changing autumn leaves with the must-do detours to the casinos along the way. The most treasured winnings from these trips were the time spent with Sue and his family. He also cherished drives with Sue around Pewaukee Lake to observe wildlife. Bob also enjoyed playing with his dog, Charlie, and feeding/watching his birds and pesky squirrels. Bob was also active in his church and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Bob was also a passionate gardener. His kids would joke with him and call him Farmer Bob. He and Sue would plan and plant their garden from seed to harvest, cycling their crops each year. Ultimately, Bob's favorite place in the world was by his lovely bride, of 40 glorious years', side. They shared many laughs and cherished times. They made each day together, no matter what the activity, an adventure filled with love and joy.
Over the years, Bob's children would change the name they called him, he went from dada to daddy, to dad, to pops and then "poppy." This term of endearment was an appropriate title because he was always so endearing, cheerful, full of life, and beautiful. Symbolically poppies, particularly red ones, often symbolize sleep, peace, remembrance, and hope. Our Poppy now has the tranquility and eternal peace that can only be found in heaven.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Susan (nee Lopez), his children Jeffery (Wendy) Krawczyk, Cindy (Mike) Koller, David Krawczyk, Patricia (Victor) Frangopoulos, and Nicole Clousing; grandchildren: Ashley Harris, Samantha Streim, Gabriella, Matthew and Nicholas Frangopoulos and Ryan and Allison Clousing; and 6 great-grandchildren, and adopted daughter, Donna Crnojevich, cherished siblings James (Kathy) Krawczyk and Michael Krawzyk, and beloved sister-in-laws Loretta and Dolores Lopez and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Stanley, and Eleanor, his second wife Ruby (Schwager), son John Krawczyk, grandson Jacob Koller, and his siblings Fred (Carol) Furhman, Marion (George) Talajkowski, Tom (Ruth), Furhman, Danny Furhman, Edwin Furham, Geraldine (Vernon) Rasmussen, his twin sister, Barbara "Bootsie" Brown, and Ronald (Mary-Etta) Krawczk.
Bob was a big Frank Sinatra fan. His favorite song was, "My Way." Many stories can attest to Bob's liking to do things HIS way. His way meant sharing his philosophy of life"; He'd told everyone to cherish the memories, make new ones, and listen to the stories of your elders. Bob's wish was for us to gather in celebration of a life well lived. He would tell us, "It's okay to be sad for a little while but to remember to embrace the day, and take nothing for "granted." We know that Bob is now reunited with all that has gone before him. You can only imagine the celebration that is taking place. Please join us in celebrating Bob on April 4th for a Catholic Memorial Prayer Service. May his memory be eternal. A brunch reception will follow.
In August, we will hold a Celebration of Life Picnic. Bob left us with many words of wisdom, stories, and cherished memories. He no longer has any suffering, only glorious joy. Bob was loved by all. He will be greatly missed for his thoughtfulness, helpfulness, and his good sense of humor. He will always be with us in our hearts. Keep watching for those cardinals.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to:
UW Foundation, the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund,
U.S. Bank Lockbox 78807
Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807 or online at adrc.wisc.edu/give.
Please make checks payable to UW Foundation and include in the memo line: Wisconsin Azheimer's Disease Research Center Fund in memory of Robert Krawczyk.
Or
St. Jude Children's Research Hospitalhttps://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8748923&fr_id=154020&pg=personal
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