Born on June 5, 1941, to Mildred and Olaf, Robert E. Aker, was the youngest brother to Virgil (Nellie), Richard (Marie) and Loran (Dixie). Better known as Bob, Okie or Papa to those who loved him the most, he passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife, daughter and eldest granddaughter, on October 25, 2023.
He was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota and graduated from Pine River High School, in Pine River, Minnesota. Okie met his wife, Sandy, 60 years ago turtle hunting and the rest is history. He moved to Wisconsin, following his older brothers, shortly after getting married. He worked for over 30 years at MacWhytes as a wire drawer and then for the Kenosha County Parks Department where he retired.
Together they have three children, Kelly, Carrie and Brian. Brian who preceded him in death. With the welcoming of grandchildren, Okie became Papa. He has three grandchildren, Amanda, Ashley and Alex and 4 great grandchildren, Aaden, Audrey, Mason, and Levi. Papa had a very special relationship with his grandson-in-law, David, who was jokingly referred to as his favorite, often hunting and fishing together.
In his younger years he enjoyed motorcycle trips on his Honda Gold Wing, played in bowling leagues and golfed, but he most enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved being outside and often hunted both in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He also loved to fish both from the boat or on the ice. Papa found great joy around the dining room table with his friends and family, whether they were playing cards, Triominos or eating a meal he cooked. He loved being “at camp” throughout the years. He spent many years at deer camp in Minnesota, traveling with his family camping or most recently at “The Chalet” at Hickory Hills Campground in Edgerton, WI, where he and Sandy spent the last three summers.
Papa requested no funeral, so his family invites you to join us for a celebration of life which will be held at one of his favorite places, Bristol Woods Park, 9800 160th Avenue, Bristol, WI, 53104 on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 12-3pm. He loved being outside, so we will be pulling up our long johns, stoking a fire and serving soup and hot beverages as we celebrate his life outdoors. His family requests that you go outside, look for God in nature, or teach someone to hunt or fish to carry on his memory.
Morris Scott says:
I am so sorry for your loss, I know you will miss Okies laugh, and his being a good papa that he was. Celebrate his life as he would have. I’m in Florida, and will not be able to make the ceremony, but wishing you all well . Scotty
Carrie Anderson says:
Thanks Scotty make sure you reach out next time you are in town-Sandy
Paul and Mary Hoffman says:
Paul and I are still in shock. We just hugged him and said our goodbyes at the campground a few weeks ago and joked about practicing playing Triominos so we could kick his but next Spring! It will be awfully lonely without him there. Bob will be greatly missed by us and many others at HHC. Rest in peace, Bob. You will always have a special place in our hearts.
Paul and Mary Hoffman
Carrie Anderson says:
Thank you for your kind words. I will see you next year. Hugs-Sandy
Jody Ferguson says:
My thoughts and prayers are with you . My love especially to the great-grandkids who spent the past few summers at the HHCampground! Bob loved his golf cart rides with Sandy, checking in on Aaden at the store and sitting on the deck playing games! Fondest of memories ❤️ I will always remember his wave and smile …
Carrie Anderson says:
Thanks Jody see you next year-Sandy
Hugh Walter says:
sorry for your loss
Kathy Miller says:
I am so shocked and sad to hear this news. We were all together just this month for Soup Kitchen and he will be greatly missed.
Please know that I am thinking of all of you and sending prayers.
Carrie Anderson says:
Thanks Kathy-Sandy
Chris Daugherty says:
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Carrie Anderson says:
Thanks Chris-Sandy
Mike Serpe says:
I had the great honor of getting to know Okie during our years together at Macwhyte. He was always happy and a pleasure to be with, truly a kind and gentle man.
I know that his family and friends will miss him terrible and I send them my love and deepest sympathy.
Carrie Anderson says:
Thanks Mike-Sandy
Kathy Geniesse says:
Dearest Sandie I was very saddened to read of the death of Oak. I know in my heart you will valiently weather this unwanted storm as I know you are a strong and resourceful woman. However this is a time to share your burden with others and soak in the compassion and condolence of others to promote healing following this sorrowful time. Prayers are being offered to our Heavenly Father.
Carrie Anderson says:
Thanks Kathy-Sandy
Stacey Veselik says:
My condolences to you and your family Sandy. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.— Stacey Veselik and Kaelan & Kyrielle Aker.
Carrie Anderson says:
Thanks Stacey-Sandy
Bruce Parsons says:
Okie was truly a gentleman and a joy to be around and associate with. I remember him from McWhytes and our many strikes
My condolences to the family may he RIP 🙏
Carrie Anderson says:
Thanks Bruce-Sandy
Alfred J Welch says:
Bob Aker was a great guy and great friend. Kristy and I will miss him and never forget Oak.