Robert Raymond Baertlein of West Bend, age 74 years, passed away Friday October 17, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer, at Froedtert Hospital with his family at his side. Bob was born on August 8, 1934 in West Bend to Edwin and Margaret (nee Gundrum) Baertlein.

After high school, Bob began a career as an assembly worker and machinist for Mercury Marine from 1952-1997 with 45 years of service. He also served his country in the Army National Guard. On June 14, 1957, Robert married Delores Marie Buchelt, and was married for 51 years. After marriage, Bob began a new chapter in his life raising a family. He enjoyed fishing and being with his best pal Pepper, his dog, and going to the cabin. But mostly, he loved the times with his family.

Robert is survived by his wife Delores, sons Robert (Karen) of Colorado, Michael (Pam) of Marytown, Dan (Linda) of Madison and Curtis (Shelley) of Richfield. Also surviving Bob are his 9 grandchildren; Brandon, Megan, Emily, Jesse, Jake, Josh, Aaron, David, and Caitlyn, his brother Lee (Mary) of Mequon, sister Eileen Harter of Fredonia, step-sister Jeanne (Alex) Kaye of Campbellsport, sister in law Betty (Ed) Bryant of Fond du Lac, sister in law Barbara (Joe) Nastal of Arizona, brother in law Ron (Angie) Buchelt of Wisconsin Dells, brother in law Walter (Kathy) Buchelt of Random Lake, many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceding Robert in death were his parents, his son Randy, sister Laura , brother in law Tom Larsen, father in law Walter Buchelt , father in law Hal Boettcher and mother in law Rose Boettcher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday October 21, 2008 at 12 noon at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church 1025 S. 7^th St. West Bend. Interment will be at Holy Angels Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church only on Tuesday October 21, 2008 from 10am until time of service. Memorials to the family are appreciated and will be given to a charity at a later date.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at St. Joseph’s Cancer Clinic and the special people in the SICU at Froedtert Hospital for their care of Robert. He will be forever loved and missed by those whose lives he touched, and there are many.