Robert Richard "Bob" Kosanke

1934 - 2025

Robert ""Bob"" Richard Kosanke, age 90, passed away at home with family by his side on April 5, 2025, in Oshkosh, WI. He was born on July 11, 1934, to parents Robert Lowell and Beatrice Evelyn (Kern) Kosanke in St. Paul, MN. One of four children.

On September 23, 1987, he married Arlene (Kresnicka) Bleichwehl, both being their second marriages.

Bob was first and foremost a man who loved and believed in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a very active member of Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, Oshkosh since 1987. In the Oshkosh community, he was equally immersed in helping to sustain and enhance growth and prosperity while serving on many different committees and Boards. He also served in the Army while stationed in Germany for 2 years from 1956-'58.

Bob and Arlene excelled in gardening and earned their titles as 'Master Gardeners' via Wisconsin's Master Gardener Program. Tending to his beautiful yard was his passion. The beautiful home he and Arlene shared was on the 'Paine Garden Tour.' For years they also owned and operated an Antique and Estate Sales and Appraisal business.

He is survived by his dearly loved wife, Arlene Kosanke; children and stepchildren, Christopher Kosanke, Andrea (Terance Kraus) Montgomery and Mary Ellen (Ed Casey) Kosanke; step-daughter-in-law Mary Lou (Scott-deceased) Bleichwehl, step-child, Judy (Tim-deceased) Johnston, step-granddaughters Stephanie Becerra and Erica Peters, step-grandson in-law Alex Becerra, step-grandsons Ben (Leilani) Bleichwehl, Zachariah Bleichwehl, Nate Johnston and Marty Johnston (Allie), step-great granddaughters Analaya Becerra, Ellie and Nala Bleichwehl, step-great grandsons Lucas Peters, Westley Becerra, Christopher Bleichwehl, Owen and Cooper Johnston, and Levi Johnston, sister, Nelda (Richard-deceased) Caruth, and sister-in-law, Judy Kresnicka.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert Lowell and Beatrice Evelyn (Kern) Kosanke; sister, Jane Kiekhoefer; brother, Merle ""Butch"" Kosanke; stepchildren, Karyn Gunderson, Scott (Mary Lou) Bleichwehl, step-son-in-law, Tim Johnston.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 23rd from 11:00am to 12:30pm at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, Oshkosh, with service to immediately follow at 12:30pm. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Grace's landscaping beautification program.

The family would like to express their love and appreciation for Bob's step-great granddaughter Analaya Becerra for her relentless round-the-clock devotion and loving care.

~Bob, thank you for spending your time with all of us as a family. You were selfless, loving, tender-hearted, quiet man who always welcomed us with your warm smile and big hugs. You are dearly loved by everyone and greatly missed.


Seefeld Funeral and Cremation Services
1025 Oregon Street
Oshkosh WI 54902
(920) 236-7750