Obituary for Robert L. Cork
Robert L. Cork (Bob) of New Berlin. Age 78, passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2020 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Clara Cork, sister Christine Budzenski (her Sonny), brother in law Robert (Bobby) Schultz and reunited in paradise with his wife Sharon.
Survived by sisters-in-law Pat (Gene) Kraus and Mary Schultz, and nieces and nephews Gene, Linda, Sheila, Shelley, Dale, Amy, Julie, Phil, Kathy, and Debbie. Loving Father of Steven & Kelli. Proud Papa of Dylan, Tyler, Austen, Sierra, Danica, Kiarrah, Rylee & Alyssa. Further survived by "Man’s best friend", his special Maddie, and wonderful friends Mark (Mary) Cloutier; thank you for your special friendship over the years. Loved by many other family and friends.
Robert was born in Phillips WI where he spent his youth until his family moved to Milwaukee to look for work. He attended high school at Milwaukee (Boys) Tech before dropping out early to eagerly join the U. S. Navy. He served 4 years aboard the U.S.S. BARRY as a Fireman and Boiler Repairman during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Using his photography skills he earned a special commendation for collecting intelligence information while observing a Soviet submarine during the 1962 Cuban quarantine. He loved to talk about all the places he visited around the world during his service and was always grateful for learning the many mechanical and technical skills he would carry on into his career.
He met his wife Sharon while working in a plastics factory. He went on to become a Machine Design Supervisor at Helwig Carbon Products in Milwaukee WI, where he retired from after 36 years of employment. Bob enjoyed woodworking, and in his retirement turned his basement workroom into an impressive wood shop. He made beautiful rocking horses, bassinets, workbenches, decorations, furniture and many things for his family and friends. Bob paid great attention to detail in everything he did. Whenever anyone needed help building or fixing something, he was the one they called and always helpful. Dad could fix anything! He instilled in me the values of hard work, knowing that you're blessed and giving back always, especially if you've been blessed! He knew from the lack of his reading & writing skills that he was beyond blessed to have the successful career he had. He excelled in tinkering, inventing and making things work.
Dad enjoyed vacationing each year in his hometown of Phillips, WI, fishing, boating and staying at Reese’s Resort each summer. He enjoyed driving us around and getting lost on gravel roads and fishing off the dock with the grandkids. They adored his home and spent hours in his pool and having campfires in his backyard. He would give them light sticks from his endless supply. He created so many traditions and tried his best to fill the role of both grandma and papa to his grandkids & they adored him.
Alzheimer's may have made you forget who you are but we never will. While we are heartbroken at your
home-going, we are comforted to know that you now remember who Bob Cork is and was. It has been an honor to be there for you and care for you these past few days and years. “My Chains Are Gone, I’ve Been Set Free”.
Special thanks to the Vitas Hospice Care team, especially RN’s Tammy, Kris,& Beryl, Home Instead Senior Care: our special aides Butch (Dad always enjoyed Mondays and receiving a clean shave) and Mary for your patience and extra special care, the VA hospital and ER staff, RN Liana and all their knowledge and help during our many visits.
Burial Monday, May 4, 2020, 2 p.m. at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield WI. Line up at green signs next to the fountain until procession. Because of the COVID health pandemic we will be having a Memorial service at a later date including Military Honors honoring Robert’s military service
Survived by sisters-in-law Pat (Gene) Kraus and Mary Schultz, and nieces and nephews Gene, Linda, Sheila, Shelley, Dale, Amy, Julie, Phil, Kathy, and Debbie. Loving Father of Steven & Kelli. Proud Papa of Dylan, Tyler, Austen, Sierra, Danica, Kiarrah, Rylee & Alyssa. Further survived by "Man’s best friend", his special Maddie, and wonderful friends Mark (Mary) Cloutier; thank you for your special friendship over the years. Loved by many other family and friends.
Robert was born in Phillips WI where he spent his youth until his family moved to Milwaukee to look for work. He attended high school at Milwaukee (Boys) Tech before dropping out early to eagerly join the U. S. Navy. He served 4 years aboard the U.S.S. BARRY as a Fireman and Boiler Repairman during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Using his photography skills he earned a special commendation for collecting intelligence information while observing a Soviet submarine during the 1962 Cuban quarantine. He loved to talk about all the places he visited around the world during his service and was always grateful for learning the many mechanical and technical skills he would carry on into his career.
He met his wife Sharon while working in a plastics factory. He went on to become a Machine Design Supervisor at Helwig Carbon Products in Milwaukee WI, where he retired from after 36 years of employment. Bob enjoyed woodworking, and in his retirement turned his basement workroom into an impressive wood shop. He made beautiful rocking horses, bassinets, workbenches, decorations, furniture and many things for his family and friends. Bob paid great attention to detail in everything he did. Whenever anyone needed help building or fixing something, he was the one they called and always helpful. Dad could fix anything! He instilled in me the values of hard work, knowing that you're blessed and giving back always, especially if you've been blessed! He knew from the lack of his reading & writing skills that he was beyond blessed to have the successful career he had. He excelled in tinkering, inventing and making things work.
Dad enjoyed vacationing each year in his hometown of Phillips, WI, fishing, boating and staying at Reese’s Resort each summer. He enjoyed driving us around and getting lost on gravel roads and fishing off the dock with the grandkids. They adored his home and spent hours in his pool and having campfires in his backyard. He would give them light sticks from his endless supply. He created so many traditions and tried his best to fill the role of both grandma and papa to his grandkids & they adored him.
Alzheimer's may have made you forget who you are but we never will. While we are heartbroken at your
home-going, we are comforted to know that you now remember who Bob Cork is and was. It has been an honor to be there for you and care for you these past few days and years. “My Chains Are Gone, I’ve Been Set Free”.
Special thanks to the Vitas Hospice Care team, especially RN’s Tammy, Kris,& Beryl, Home Instead Senior Care: our special aides Butch (Dad always enjoyed Mondays and receiving a clean shave) and Mary for your patience and extra special care, the VA hospital and ER staff, RN Liana and all their knowledge and help during our many visits.
Burial Monday, May 4, 2020, 2 p.m. at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Brookfield WI. Line up at green signs next to the fountain until procession. Because of the COVID health pandemic we will be having a Memorial service at a later date including Military Honors honoring Robert’s military service