Robert L. Szeflinski – Age 76. Found his peace on Sunday, May 8, 2022, surrounded by his wife, Diana (nee Wertz) and daughters.

Bob was born on the south side of Milwaukee to Anthony and Harriet Szeflinski in1945 and grew up as the proverbial middle child of five children in their Polish-Catholic family.  According to his mother, he was a good Catholic who served as an altar boy.  It’s where he also springboarded his negotiation skills when he would delegate friends to take turns picking up church bulletins to show their parents as evidence of their church attendance.

Beloved father of Kimberly (George) Zlatin and Stacey Lang (Carvie Ivy). Proud grandfather of Elliott Zlatin, Georgia Zlatin and Hattie “Punchka” Ivy. Brother of William (Kathy) Szeflinski and Pauline (the late David) Patrykus. Brother-in-law of Dick McClain, Dolores Szeflinski, Greg (Kathy) Wertz, Jan (the late Lou) Rigano, Cindy (Bob) Rogers, Candy San Felippo, Gary Wertz (Lori DeMann) and Karen (Ricky) Osmanski. Further survived by a crap ton of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. His greatest joy however came in his role as grandpa to Elliott, Georgia and Hattie.  They truly got the gentlest version of Bob and his negotiation skills went out the window when it came to giving the kids contraband lollipops, cash and his attention.  He had a unique and special connection with each of them and his pride in their achievements large and small was also a gift to us.

Preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Harriet (nee Nastachowski) Szeflinski, siblings, David Szeflinski and Antoinette McClain, nieces, Kellie, Julie, Angelia, Lauren and nephew Jake.

To kids, he was the threat due to his booming voice, while also a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

In the neighborhood and throughout his time at Boys Tech, Bob was known as the protector of those who needed a voice, and a little brawn, to back them up.  Especially with his younger brother, Billy, who was spared once people found out he was Bobby Szeflinski’s kid brother.  On the flip side, his sisters Tunia and Pauline weren’t as safe and had many a knuckle to the back as they ran from Bobby around the house when they dared complain about his lifelong habit of eating with his mouth open.

He was drafted into the Vietnam War and served two years as a mechanic and supply clerk in the US Army.  Upon his return in 1967 he met his wife, Diana, while bartending at the Tiki on the southside.  They married in 1974 and made their home in New Berlin where they went on to have their two daughters, Kim and Stacey, along with a couple Cairn Terriers and multiple carnival goldfish.

Brought up in a strong union family and after a four year apprenticeship, Bob went on to become a floor coverer by trade and eventually a business agent while proudly serving the Carpenters Union Local 344 for 50 years.  Known to many as “Comedy Bob”, he believed in fairness and respect for the trade, while also using his humor to connect to friends and strangers alike on any jobsite.

His hobbies and interests included smoking on the deck, hunting, fishing (designated bait hooker), Jonas Salk, napping anywhere, watching Blue Bloods and Finding Your Roots, and tending his bird feeders. Music played a big role in his life as Bob played drums and accordion with his dad in a band named the “Melodiers”, owned a bar named the “Competitors” on Okauchee Lake with his friends Tony, Jimmy and Gordie which featured local bands and “dancers” and could always be found walking around with a “do, do, do” when going about his day.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Thursday, May 19, 2022, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM. Celebration of Life/Memory sharing at 5:30 PM. Burial will be held privately at Southern Wisconsin Veteran Memorial Cemetery at a later date with full military honors.

Thank you to the staff at Auberge of Brookfield who allowed us to be family instead of caretakers in his final months.  Our gratitude also goes to Accentcare home hospice and the inpatient hospice nurses, Danielle and Michael, who guided us and dad in his final journey respectfully and with the humor we needed.

Lewy body dementia may have slowly and painfully taken the man we knew, but we know he felt our love until his final breath.  Please bring your memories as we are finally able to remember him as he was, “Comedy Bob”.  Bob would want to have people come as they are, casually dressed and with a good dose of humor to celebrate and share stories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Lewy Body Dementia Association.