Robert J. King

“Gubby” to his wife of 73 years and best gal since 1944, Dottie (née Larocque); “Dad” to his only child, Carole Ann Kownack; “Papa” to his son-in-law John Kownack and Kownack grandchildren Mary (Danny Shook), Bobby (Katie Kelly), Annie (Bryan Milleson), and Josie; “Uncle Bob” to his beloved nieces and nephews; and “Bob” to his friends, Robert J. King meant so much to so many. He passed away peacefully on July 6, 2025.

Renowned for a generosity topped only by his sense of humor and penchant for mischief, he will be most remembered for his enormous, compassion-filled heart. Bob’s impact on each individual fortunate enough to have met him is immeasurable, but so too is the mark he made across the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Hales Corners and General Electric Company communities throughout a life defined by service to others.

He was born on March 5, 1927, in Berlin, New Hampshire as the 13th of 14 siblings, all of whom predeceased him. A proud 1945 graduate of Berlin High School, he initially pursued his education at the University of New Hampshire before serving in the U.S. Army. 

Bob’s short time in the Army involved accompanying shell-shocked soldiers to military hospitals closest to their hometowns and subsequently visiting family members to inform them of their loved one’s prognosis. During his down time while enlisted, he also added record-playing DJ to his résumé. Following his military service, Bob completed college in 1951 with a degree in accounting from Boston University. 

He went on to work in various capacities in finance for the General Electric Company, dedicating more than 30 years to helping the employees he cared so much about. His passion for financial literacy and retirement planning led to decades of donating his time through workshops and personal counseling sessions with GE employees and retirees – both when he was actively employed and long beyond his official retirement. 

Bob became a member of the company’s Elfun Society while working at General Electric and proceeded to hold both local and national leadership positions during his many years with the Elfun Society, Senior Elfuns, and Wisconsin Elfuns. He received numerous accolades for his community service efforts while a member. More impressive than his long list of recognitions, though, was his continued humility in the wake of receiving them.

Early in his career, Bob spent five years employed outside of GE working for United Student Aid Funds (USAF), an opportunity that ignited his desire to help high school and college students develop paths for success. He was named an Honorable Kentucky Colonel thanks to his efforts to hone aspects of the Bluegrass State’s student loan program.

He was later able to revisit that calling, again as an employee of GE, when he spent seven years as the coordinator and liaison for the Cooperative Education Program between WCTI (now WCTC) and GE Medical Systems, which gave participating students an opportunity to challenge themselves by applying classroom knowledge within a work environment. Bob cherished providing a platform for students to better craft their futures, and he was recognized for his part in reorganizing and expanding the program.

Outside of work, Bob devoted over 40 years serving as a Hospitality and Eucharistic Minister with the St. Mary’s Catholic Faith Community. He could also be found volunteering during countless other church-related activities, though he may have been even more appreciated for his gentle banter while welcoming parishioners to church on a weekly basis, something that was deeply meaningful to him.

Bob, steadfast in his faith and always giving with his time, lived his life light-heartedly; with far heavier hearts, his surviving family will be honoring his 98 impactful years on earth on Saturday, August 9th at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community, Hales Corners. Visitation: 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM, Mass at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative, Repairers of the Breach (Milwaukee), or Xaverian Missionaries (Franklin, WI)

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