Robert J. "Bob" Wilke

Robert John Wilke, 78 of East Troy,WI passed away February 1, 2024. Robert (Bob), was born in Milwaukee May 30, 1945, to Carl and Dorothy Wilke of Milwaukee, WI.
Robert attended grade school at St. Joan of Arc in Okauchee, WI and then graduated from Oconomowoc High School in 1963. He enrolled at UW-Whitewater and graduated in 1969 with a Major in Geography and a minor in Economics. He soon enlisted in the Army National Guard in May of 1970 where he served until April of 1977. He served in Oconomowoc, WI Two Rivers,WI and Burlington, WI in the 128th Infantry and eventually became Company Commander of the 128th Infantry Unit in Burlington, WI. He also continued his education at UW-Whitewater where he earned Masters of Science in Teaching and Master of Science in Geography degrees.
After graduation, Bob took a job as a teacher at Mukwonago School district in 1969. Soon after he married Diane Wilke(Mortensen) on July 25th, 1970 and they had two sons Aaron(1974) and Mark(1977). One of his greatest qualities was his patience as he ended up teaching 7th grade Civics for 31 years at Parkview Middle School in Mukwonago until his retirement in May 2000. He truly enjoyed teaching and interacting with his students so much so that he continued to substitute teach and administer tests at various school districts in WI and MN until 2023.
Bob had many passions in life including motor and ice boating, camping, rock n' roll music, auto racing and playing cards. He spent many summers surrounded by his family at Clear Lake Campground in Minocqua, WI enjoying water skiing and playing sheepshead. In addition he enjoyed caring for his cars as was evident by keeping his cars clean and waxed to near perfection. He also enjoyed interacting with and watching his grandchildren Espen and Erika. He was always a moment's notice away from helping his family and regularly attended his family's and grandchildren's various events like auto racing, BMX racing, piano recitals, soccer and football no matter how far the journey might be. He was also an avid sports fan, following the local Wisconsin sports teams and was always fond of his favorite team the 1957 Milwaukee Braves. He always offered great inclusion and hospitality by reaching out to others through sharing conversation while offering a drink of their choice. Finally, but certainly not least, Bob was always quick to spread laughter among friends and family, by telling a great story or joke.
Robert is survived by his wife Diane of 53 years. two children Aaron (Rachel Hass) and Mark (Kirsten) Wilke, two grandchildren Espen and Erika Wilke, two brothers William (Judith) and John (Kathy) Wilke, sister-in-law Susan Mortensen, brother-in-laws Allan(Mary) and Kent(Roberta) Mortensen, nieces and nephews Pete Gilman, Sarah Elg, Chris Gilman, Jeff Wilke, Jim Wilke, Katie Maslowski, Casey Haberman, Heather Mortensen, Ryan Mortensen, Shawn Mortensen, Matt Mortensen, Hans Mortensen, Madissen Mortensen, Anna Mortensen and Christoph Mortensen.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents Carl and Dorothy Wilke, his sister Kathryn Gilman, father and mother in-law Arnold and Henrietta Mortensen, and brother-in-law Dennis Mortensen.
A visitation will take place at Wisconsin Memorial Park on Friday February 23, 2024,1 pm with the funeral service to follow.