• Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 from 10am until Noon at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH (12300 W Janesville Rd, Hales Corners, WI 53130).
• Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 8th, 2026 at Noon at HALES CORNERS LUTHERAN CHURCH (12300 W Janesville Rd, Hales Corners, WI 53130).
• Robert will be laid to rest immediately following the funeral service at ARLINGTON PARK CEMETERY (4141 S 27th St, Greenfield, WI 53221).

Robert W. Bivens Jr.

Passed away peacefully on September 1^st, 2026, at the age of 71 surrounded by his loving family. Bob was the devoted son of the late Robert Sr. and Elaine (nee Blank). He was a beloved brother to Tom (Mary), and the late Bill (Vilma), Lori (Robert) Ramirez, and Ruby. He was a cherished and fun uncle to Ariana, Robert, his Godson Jesse, Gabby, Jake, Olivia, and Hilary. Great-uncle to Amara, Iris, and Hunter. Longtime cat-dad to Catabella. Further survived by other relatives and friends.

Bob was a lifelong resident of Milwaukee. He attended Ebenezer Lutheran Church and School, Audubon Junior High School, and proudly graduated from South Division High School in 1974. From an early age, Bob showed a strong work ethic, beginning with his first job as a paper boy at age 12. He later drove delivery trucks for the Milwaukee Journal, traveling throughout the city and state and forming many lifelong friendships and memories along the way.
Bob eventually found his true calling in firefighting. He dedicated his career to serving others as a firefighter and paramedic, retiring from the Milwaukee Fire Department and also serving with the New Berlin and Fox Point Fire Departments. He had the opportunity to work with wonderful people and made lasting friendships. What a blessing it was for him to attend the most recent MFD Retiree picnic and get a chance to visit with many of his friends and former colleagues!
Bob had countless interests, hobbies, and part-time jobs. His love of bicycling took him on adventures across the United States and Europe, with his most “memorable” ride being RAGBRAI. He was a former president and longtime member of the Nordic Ski Club and a devoted member of the Journal Sentinel News Pedalers.
He also spent many years as a WIAA referee and a longtime member of the Scorers and Timekeepers. Bob worked for the Milwaukee Brewers, drove shuttle cars for Schlossmann Honda, and held many other jobs that kept him connected to people and community.
Giving back was central to who Bob was. He volunteered for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Scenic Shore Bike Tour for many years. As a bone marrow transplant survivor—thanks to his donor and brother, Tom—Bob saw this work as a meaningful way to pay forward the hope he had received.
Above all, Bob cherished his family and his Lutheran faith. Numerous childhood memories were made with his Dad, younger brothers Tom and Bill, Uncle and cousins hunting and fishing “upnort” at the family cottage in Elcho. He found joy in attending his nieces’ and nephews’ sporting events and school performances, taking them to Brewers and Admirals games, having fun at the annual hunting camp, or simply catching up with them and the family pets Cash and Kevina. Uncle Bobby was always ready with a good laugh and a practical joke. Our holiday games will never be the same without him.
“Bobby” was a wonderful big brother and son who consistently stepped up to support his family through life’s challenges. He taught us the importance of standing together through thick and thin. The loss of his parents and his younger brother Bill brought deep pain, yet those moments also reaffirmed the resilience and strength of family.
The past couple of years brought many changes to Bob’s life, yet he faced every challenge with quiet strength and dignity. During this time, he and his siblings—Tom, Ruby (and Sonny!), Mary, Lori, and Bobo—deepened their bond and created many treasured memories. We could not be prouder of our big brother’s courage and integrity, and we will miss him tremendously.
Bob found solace and strength in attending worship at Hales Corners Lutheran Church, especially the Saturday evening services. His visits with Pastor Wood were also a source of deep comfort.
Hep me now!

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff of Froedtert 7NT for the kindness and compassion they provided to Bob and his family.

Bob will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and truly loved him.

If so desired, memorials are appreciated to, Hales Corners Lutheran Church or the Milwaukee Firefighters Honor Guard.

To donate to the Milwaukee Firefighters Honor Guard please mail a check using the following format: Attn Lt Bryant 711 W. Wells St. Milwaukee Wi 53233.

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