Bob is an example of a brave man.

The other half of “Bob and Weezie” has gone to join her. Bob’s wife of 72 years, Louise M Clark, (Weezie) passed away 5 years ago and darn near broke Bob’s heart.

It is a brave man who decides to live well for the only woman he ever loved, Louise. It is a brave man who decides in that moment to honor his beautiful Weezie, who absolutely loved living- the laughing, the joy, the babies, the flowers, the cooking and eating, the music and the dancing, with a promise to treasure the memory of her by enjoying the moments.

His plan developed into getting up every day with a song sung loudly, to love and enjoy family, old friends, new friends, and folks newly met along the way, to enjoy the natural beauty of this area, to marvel at the daily gifts from god, to look for miracles and to exercise every day- whether it’s a walk on the driveway singing God Bless America, or tapping his toes to in his chair to a polka and always a prayer of gratitude before bed. My favorite, when words came hard for him, he would say “Keep up the good work God!

Near the end, his physical challenges were many, but he did the best he could to keep his promise just getting up every day, no matter how challenging, by listening and being there for loved ones and he thanked God for what he was physically able to do. This is a brave and honorable man.

He retired from his job as a drafting engineer for Ramsey County in 1985. He and Weezie moved to a lovely place in Centuria, which was just 2 miles away from where he was born, as he is a Handlos/Pepper relation. He and Weezie loved their life here and their friends at McKenzie’s bowling alley were many, the fun and laughter shared is the stuff of stories and memories for all.

He always thought his part in WWII was small, but he was quite proud of it. He served aboard the USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier, as a Seaman first class in the gunnery division. He was aboard the Lexington when it sailed into Tokyo Bay as an escort for the signing of the peace treaty to end World War Two, because of that we will have a military salute after the church service at St. John’s Church in Centuria where Bob was baptized as a child. Join us at McKenzie's Bowling Alley with cocktails and snacks, let’s laugh, and share stories and memories together.

His bright eyes and infectious smile will certainly be missed by all.

Bob and Weezie’s kind of magic included making 8 kids and over the years the mushroom cloud of family members expanded. At last count, it was 27 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. The original 8, their children: Jan (Leroy) Oestreich, Connie Boet, Ken (Marsha) Clark, Micheal Clark, Jim (Kathy) Clark, Sue (Robert) Vialpando, Patti (Rick) Katzmark, Bill (Sandi) Clark.

Robert’s wish: May we all be brave enough to live life well!

A Memorial Service for Bob will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Centuria, Wisconsin at 4:00 P.M. Doors will be open to guests at 3:30 P.M. Following the service military honors will be rendered. Please join the family for a drink and light food at McKenzie Lanes following the church services.

The Kolstad Family Funeral Home of Centuria has been entrusted with arrangements.

Last Update: Sep 10, 2023 2:04 pm CDT