Robert Vanderkin

Guided by faith and grounded in love for his family, Robert Arthur Vanderkin lived generously until his passing at the age of 96 on March 3, 2026.

"Bob" was born on November 19, 1929, in the village of Cascade to the late Arthur and Alice (Stienke) Vanderkin. He attended Cascade Grade School and Plymouth High School. From 1951 to 1953, Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany.

On May 22, 1954, he was united in marriage to Edith Matzdorf at St. John's Lutheran Church in Plymouth. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. The couple first made their home in Cascade, where Bob worked for Vanderkin Excavating. He later worked as a linesman for L.E. Meyers Electrical Contractors in Milwaukee. Eventually, Bob and his family settled in Plymouth, where he began a 37-year career at Kohler Company. He was a proud member of the Quarter Century Club and the Plymouth Veterans of Foreign Wars. A devoted member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Bob served as an usher and volunteered during remodeling projects.

Bob will be remembered for his remarkable talents and wide-ranging hobbies. A skilled woodworker, he crafted countless projects and lovingly restored antique furniture. He had a gift for fixing nearly anything and was always ready to lend a helping hand to family and friends. If you ever received one of his woven scarves or towels, admired a piece of his woodworking, or smiled at the precision of his cross stitching, you knew the care Bob put into everything he touched. In addition, he faithfully worked crossword puzzles and gathered weekly with friends at Salem Green for cards, especially Sheepshead and Cribbage. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who appreciated the outdoors.

Family was the heart of Bob's life. For 24 years, he and Edith spent winters in Arizona or Florida, welcoming their children and grandchildren each spring. Family reunions at his son's cottage were treasured occasions, and he rarely missed his grandchildren's sporting events or academic milestones. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Those who knew Bob will cherish his quick wit, the lifetime of camping and travel memories, his animated stories of growing up in Cascade, and his inventive solutions to life's everyday problems. Above all, Bob's strong faith in Jesus Christ guided his life and sustained him.

He is lovingly remembered by his children, Bonnie Vanderkin Bertram (Randy) and David Vanderkin (Mary). He deeply loved his grandchildren: Matt Bertram (Trish McCann Bertram), Kristin Bertram (Rob Roskin), Ryan Vanderkin, and Tricia Vanderkin Brown (Chris Brown). His great-grandchildren were the delight of his days: Olive, Elodee, Maya, Juniper Vanderkin, and Grayson Bertram. He is further survived by his sisters, Beverly Hinz and Carole Fuller.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edith (Matzdorf), after 66 years of marriage; his sisters, Ruth Jean (Arno Shaske) and Bernice (John) Melius; his brother, Earl Vanderkin; his brothers-in-law, Tom Fuller, John Melius, Arno Shaske and Oliver Hinz; his sisters-in-law, Gladys (Omar) Boeselager and Loretta (Warren) Eberhardt; his parents, Arthur and Alice Vanderkin; his stepmother, Gladys Vanderkin; and his parents-in-law, Viola and Otto Matzdorf.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held at Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth, with visitation on March 7th (Saturday) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Christian service and military rites at 12:00 p.m. Rev. Andrew Thompson will officiate. Guests are warmly invited to wear one of Bob's handwoven scarves, if they have one, as a tribute to his creativity and the many gifts he shared with others.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate nurses and staff at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls for their devoted care and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Robert's name may be made to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice or Down Syndrome Association of Sheboygan County.