Robert (Bob) John Karloske, age 88, of Vesper died at home peacefully in his easy chair on Oct. 29, 2016. Robert was born June 16, 1928 to Otto and Clara (Sowatzke) Karloske in Wisconsin Rapids.  He lived in Wisconsin Rapids until he was 8 years old and his family moved to the farm. He attended St. Paul’s Lutheran grade school and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1946. He attended one semester at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.  It was at UW-Madison where he worked in the beef barn and started his lifelong love of raising beef cattle. Robert was joined in marriage to Ellen Mary Urban on Nov. 29, 1952. They celebrated their 60^th anniversary Nov. 2012.

Bob entered service into the Army in Aug. 1952 serving 2 years of active duty and 6 years in the reserves. After training he was assigned to the 767^th Engineer Construction Battalion Company B motor pool where he served in Korea until July 1954. He achieved the rank of sergeant.  When he left active duty, he moved to his farm on Lincoln Road where he farmed with his wife Ellen until their retirement.

Bob served as director of the Central Wisconsin Beef Association, Wood County Farm Supply, Market Animal Sale committee, 4-H Beef leader, deacon at St. John’s Lutheran church, member of the Selective Service Board No. 80 during the Vietnam War, and a member of the VFW, Pittsville.

Bob enjoyed raising champion Angus beef, working in the woods, making maple syrup, deer hunting, wood working, telling jokes and stories.  Robert took pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.  Most of all, he enjoyed doing all of these things side by side with his wife Ellen.

He is survived by  daughters Joni (Larry) Heilgendorf of LaGrange, KY, Diane (Gerard) Putzer of Appleton WI, Dawn (Dave) Bizer of Medford WI and Jill (Jeff) Michaud of Wausau WI, sisters-in-laws Louise  Engelman, Jean (Milden) Schwanebeck, Kathleen Urban, and Margie Urban,  grandchildren Brandi (Thomas) McDonald, Kurt Heilgendorf, Jonathan Heilgendorf, Maria (David) Mooers-Putzer, Phil (special friend Lori Leist) Putzer, Jackie (special friend Josh Gollhardt) Bizer, Derrick Bizer, Carly Michaud, and Matt Michaud,  great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Ellen, an infant daughter Heidi Joy, his parents, siblings Carl (Doris) Karloske, Manette (Joseph) Urban and in-laws Ann (Elmer) Garrels, Eldon Engelman, Edward Urban and James Urban, niece Mary Garrels.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday Nov. 5, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pittsville. Reverend Gary Markworth will officiate. Friends may call Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. Burial will take place in Mound Cemetery, Pittsville, where military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post #153 of Pittsville.

Buchanan / Rembs Funeral Home, Pittsville, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be designated in Bob’s name to the American Legion Palmer-Ritchie-Thomas Post #153 of Pittsville.

Condolences may be sent online to www.rembsfh.com