Robert G. Petri, 79, of West Bend, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully, with his wife by his side, on July 31, 2026.

Robert was born on November 7, 1946, in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, to Ralph G. Petri and Dorothy L. Petri (née Sonnenberg) of Wayne, Wisconsin.

On September 15, 1978, Bob and Gwenn were finally married after dating for seven years. Together they built a life centered on family, fun, hard work, and making lasting memories.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted in July 1966 and served during the Vietnam War before completing his military service in Hawaii. He returned home in January 1969, carrying with him the pride and dedication that remained with him throughout his life.

Following his military service, Bob worked at Harley Davidson which sparked his interest in riding Harleys. He later worked at Gilman Corporation before joining Strohwig Tool & Die, where he retired as a truck driver.

Bob enjoyed life's simple pleasures. He loved rock music and seeing live bands. In his younger years, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle with good friends, and in recent years he looked forward to spending weekends away with Gwenn. He also enjoyed trips to the casino, and annual summer vacations with his family, to the Dells. He was fondly known by his grandchildren as Papa, and loved spending time with them in the game room, passing out all of his quarters and winning them stuffies from the claw machines. His favorite Christmas present to give his grandkids were whoopee cushions. He loved making them laugh!

A true handyman, Bob took great pride in his home and yard. He was always working on a new project—remodeling, repairing, or improving something around the house. If he didn't know how to fix something, he would research it until he figured it out.

Bob is survived by his wife, Gwenn (née Baur,) his three daughters, Lisa (Tom) Bichanich, Amy Petri, and Megan (Ed) Marx; his cherished grandchildren, Caleb and Brayden Bichanich, and Hattie, Winnie, Trudell, and Marlow Marx; his sisters, Nancy (Sandy Ross) Holmes and Merry (Carl) Cook; his sisters-in-law, Gayle Becker, Gretchen (Carl) Muth, Gari-Beth (Miff) Keepers, and Dede (the late, Guy) Baur; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Petri and Dorothy Petri; his stepmother, Barb Petri; his parents-in-law, George and Bunny (née Drees) Baur; his brothers-in-law, Greg Baur and Guy Baur, his niece, Linda Cook; and his nephews, Adam Cook and Ben Baur.

Bob will be remembered for his quiet determination, mechanical talent, and sense of humor. Whether he was fixing something in the garage, enjoying a motorcycle ride with friends in the good ole' days, listening to rock music, or spending time with family, he lived a life defined by hard work, loyalty, and love for those closest to him. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 21, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the American Legion in West Bend. Military Honors will be rendered by the Honor Guard in a ceremony beginning at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Bob's life and sharing memories together. Casual attire is encouraged. In honor of Bob, we would love to see you in your favorite band or Wisconsin Badgers T-shirt!