obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

Robert Daniel
Holtz

Of Hartland, Wisconsin Passed away January 9, 2019, at the age of 88 years. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth (nee Bunke) and stepdaughter Wendy. Cherished father of Cheryl L. Schaumberg of Independence, WI, Brian D of Merton, WI, and Scott R. of Fort Myers, FL. Loving stepfather of Kurt, Eric, and Ann Loving grandfather of Kyle, Konnor, Jill, and Jason. Further survived by great-grandchildren, nephews Rick and Joe Riefel, stepson Dave Birkle, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend a grateful, “Thank You!” to the Bunke family for their constant support, care and love. We are truly blessed to have family such as this. Also, the family would like to thank Bob’s neighbors for their help and kindness.

Bob served in the Army during the Korean War. He was a local truck driver by trade and in the later years, served as a bailiff at the Greenfield Police Department. He loved lighting his home seasonally, loved watching and caring for the birds, loved to go out to eat, loved flirting with the ladies, and “everything else”.

Visitation Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at Wisconsin Memorial Park – Chapel of Flowers 13235 W Capitol Drive Brookfield, WI 53005 from 12:00 PM until time of the Funeral Service at 2:00 PM

Share a memory r sign the guestbook at www.SuminskiFuneralHome.com

Past Comments

Pamela Meyer

Bob & Ruth were regular customers of mine at the bar in Meyer’s restaurant. We had a lot of wonderful conversations and I miss making Bob his bourbons with no ice & lots of olives. Peace be with his family.

Diana Mane

Bob & Ruthie were my neighbors for quiet a few years and when I walked my dogs around the block I would always have to stop and let Bob & Ruthie pet them. I miss him beeping the horn as he drove past my house and stopping to talk.

Dave Birkle

Best step-dad ever ! I love him and will miss him.

Tom Blackburn

I think of the lunch with our wives when Bob and I discovered the John Ernst Cafe had raspberry and chocolate schaum tortes, as well as strawberry. The only thing we could make of that was to order all three, served consecutively.
I also remember how he always got eight olives with his drink, four for him, four for Ruth. When she died, he cut back to four in memory.
If my recollections seem to involve hospitality and conviviality, it is because that is how I will remember Bob. He was not hospitable, though, to the bluejays that bothered his birds, though. The jays were another story, boy!

Son Brian

First of all, I would like to thank all that came out. It was great to see everyone !

I will remember alot of things about my Dad. He was a softy, old school from a different generation and time.
He came from a very humble existence. Not being very well educated he did well for himself and family. We never went hungry, and we always had shelter.
He loved to go out to eat with whomever was willing go. I look back now and I think maybe it was so he could flirt with the waitresses, i mean he was trucker, when flirting was fun, not having to worry about being slapped with a sexual harassment charge. He also enjoyed smoking his cigars, especially after he lost the most important parts in his life, Ruthie,driving, and his home. It was pretty much all he had left that he enjoyed. He also enjoyed watching his birds, i made sure he always had bird seed, and so did he. He also truly enjoyed putting up lights of all holidays, and i mean ALL. He also loved that 1992 Buick Roadmaster, bought it brand new, always said, “Ruthie helped me put the down payment on that car”, that was his baby.
But most of all, he truly loved Ruthie, he was always saying stuff about her, I don’t think he ever got over losing her.
I recently read a quote, it said, ” I will never complain about getting old, cuz I’ve known to many people that never got that chance”.
Thank you all again for taking time out of your day, to come by. I wish all of you many happy days, may your life be fulfilling, and with many blessings.

Dorothy Bunke

Bob lived a full and adventurous life. He especially loved his late wife, Ruth, my sister-in-law. They enjoyed some 28 years of marriage which were filled with many good memories.

Bob was grateful to the many different friends and relatives for all they did over the last four years since Ruth passed away. Brian was there for him a lot during those years, especially during the last six months, and Scot was also involved. Bob was very thankful that his sons were there for him. He beamed with pride when he talked about them.

Bob and Ruth both had happy dispositions. He generally had a twinkle in his eye, but is was greatly dimmed with the passing of Ruth. I’m inclined to believe that this twinkle is back as he is re-united with Ruth. They are both missed by many.

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