Robert James Barkelar, Sr., age 81 of Oshkosh, passed away Sunday, September 5, 2010 at Arborview Manor. Born the son of Irvin and Rose (Mertes) Barkelar in Green Bay on December 4, 1928, he moved to Chicago in 1939. Educated at St. Patrick's in Green Bay, Mundelein Catholic High School and Northwestern University in Chicago, Bob was also a United States Navy veteran, having served in Korea from 1951-1953. In 1955 Bob returned to Green Bay. On August 22, 1959 he married Marjorie Linnane and she preceded him in death on January 3, 1983.
While living in Green Bay he was active with the Green Bay Elks, Convention and Visitors Bureau and Shorewood Country Club and was manager of Van Drisse Lincoln Mercury from 1964-1967 until moving to Oshkosh in 1968 where he was Sales Manager and Lease Manager for Dahl Ford before joining Mueller Chrysler Plymouth Lincoln Mercury in 1972. Bob was employed with Mueller and Mueller Auto Leasing as a Fleet Leasing Manager for 21 years before his retirement.
He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Oshkosh having served two 3 year terms on the Parish Council and as president of the Ushers Club. He held active and honorary life memberships with the Knights of Columbus. Bob served in several capacities including: Grand Knight of Council 614, Faithful Navigator for 3 years, 4th Degree Commander and 4th Degree Honor Guard for Our Lady of Lourdes 4th Degree Assembly 1210. He was also a member of the Oshkosh Sierra Club since 1982 and served as president for 3 and a half years and was also a member of the American Legion Cook Fuller Post #70. Since retiring in 1992, Bob has been very involved in volunteer work basically within the Catholic Church, being a member of Oshkosh Country Club, Power Board Club, Oshkosh Elks Club, and for over 25 years he served as area chairman of the Bishops Charities Committee. He was also active in many charitable activities.
Bob is survived by his children, Michael (Gail) of Sheboygan, Craig (Debra) of Madison, Harry (Bonnie) of Aurora, Illinois, Robert Jr. of Los Angeles, California, Lynn (David) Ihrig of Winneconne, Lisa Barkelar, Lori (John) Kloehn and Amy Barkelar all of Oshkosh; 11 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marjorie, 2 brothers and a sister. He is further preceded in death by two good friends, Viall Derber and Pres Hiestand, who played golf together regularly here and also in Palm Beach, Florida. Now they can play together again. Also preceding are good friends, Arden Ruppel and Ken Wolf who Bob also enjoyed playing golf with for many years.
Funeral service for Bob will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 2010 at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish, St. Mary Catholic Church, 619 Merritt Avenue, Oshkosh. The family will greet friends at the church on Friday from 9 :00 a.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Please visit www.seefeldfuneral.com to send online condolences to the family.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the residents and staff at Arborview Manor for making Bob's stay there a enjoyable and comfortable one. Also to Heartland Hospice for the kind and compassionate care that was given to Bob and his family.
Seefeld Funeral and
Cremation Services
(920) 236-7750