Robert Leo "Bob" Sambs

Robert "The Clock Doctor" Leo Sambs, born July 18, 1937 in Milwaukee, WI to Leo and Irma Sambs (Petrich), passed away with dignity and surrounded with love on December 10, 2024. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Remie, his adoring parents, Leo and Irma Sambs and younger sister, Mary Sambs.
Bob is survived by his 3 children, Maria (Dave) Botelho, Leonard (Kristen) Sambs and Megan (fiancé Ben Stecker) Sambs, siblings Tom Sambs, Peggy Nelles, Annie Murphy and Kathy (Sam) Olsen. Bob was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Mandy (Joseph) Blackmon, Charis (Brandt) Brooks, Benjamin (Kelli) Botelho, Brecken (fiancé Maddie) Sambs and Crew Sambs. Bob was even more blessed with 12 great grandchildren; Caroline, Georgia, Booker, Shep, Beau, Lillian, Magnolia, Eleanor, Oliver, Jane, Solomon and Marigold.
Bob very much enjoyed coming up to Eagle River through his childhood and formative years thus Eagle River becoming his forever home. After graduating from Pius XI High School in Milwaukee, Bob joined the Air Force National Guard for 5 years. During this time, Bob tested the waters joining the Brotherhood ministry and through the guidance of his family unsure what road to take next, Bob decided to join the Air Force in 1961, a career he deeply enjoyed. After dedicating his life to the Air Force for 20 years, he retired as Senior Master Sergeant in 1981. Bob met his beloved wife during his travels in the military, Remie, while stationed in the Philippines-and they faithfully walked thru life's adventures hand in hand.
Once he retired, Bob and Remie moved back to Eagle River, WI. With newfound time on his hands, Bob tried various local jobs-working at our local grocer, was a mail carrier, bus driver and met so many wonderful friends along the way. A few years into his retirement, Bob decided to continue his education traveling to Milwaukee from Eagle River attending college at MATC to become a Master Horologist, in laymen's terms the study and repair of mechanical clocks. He was known to many as the "Clock Doctor" even up until the day God called him back home. Bob was meticulous in everything he did and was very well respected in his work and as a person within the community. Bob was quoted in an article by our local newspaper back in March of 2020 regarding his clock repair services that he provided saying: "The people I meet are the best part of being a Clockmaker". Bob often referred to the words, "Tempus Fugit" Latin for "Time Flies" as some antique clocks he so lovingly repaired have this written on the clock itself, hence, why he made a point to many to make the most of our limited time here on earth. "If you enjoy what you do, you never work a day in your life", yet another rule of thumb Bob practiced and preached. Bob was surrounded by so much love during his golden years and his wisdom will be so greatly missed.
Bob was a strong believer in his faith and volunteered his time ushering weekly at St. Peter the Fisherman Parish. Years back, he was active with the St. Peters Annex/thrift store and he gave back to many in need. Bob also loved the outdoors and kept in shape by daily walks/bicycle rides, clearing snow, chopping wood, enjoying the companionship of his rescued dogs that brought him so much comfort along with keeping with his timely routine living in the Northwoods. Most of all, Bob was the best husband, dad, grandpa, brother and friend to many-a true blessing to all. His kindness was constant and true.
A funeral service to celebrate Bobs life will be held Friday December 20, 2024 at St. Peter the Fisherman Parish, Eagle River WI. Visitation begins at 9:30am, Mass at 11am and lunch to follow.