Age 86. Born to Eternal Life on November 22nd. Beloved husband of Susan (nee Lutter) for 54 years. Cherished father of Jennifer (Kevin) Stowe, Robert (Tracy) Kustra, Christopher Kustra and Rebecca (Brad) Keaton. Loving grandfather of Erica, Kevin and Jonathan Stowe; Alexandria, Ashley, Cassandra and Trevor Keaton; and Abigail and Lenaye Kustra. Further survived by his brother Richard (Mary Beth) Kustra.
Robert was proud to have attended St. Josaphat parish school, Marquette University High School, Marquette University, and eventually Marquette University Dental School. After earning his dental degree, he sought to use his skills to help those most in need both nationally and internationally. When duty called, he headed to Germany with the Army, and later he returned to Oak Creek, WI where he ran a private practice for 55 years. He retired in 2003.
In 1966 Robert established the South Side Guadalupe Dental Clinic, a nonprofit that serves a mainly Hispanic population. He enlisted 20 other dentists to serve patients within the clinic and at their private practices. His work at the Guadalupe Clinic has earned him widespread recognition; including a national Jefferson Award in 1983.
He also volunteered in global missions with various service organizations that took him to Appalachia and post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans. Internationally, Robert worked in Guatemala, Bolivia, Mexico, Brazil, Kenya, Kosovo, Ukraine, Haiti, the Philippines and Romania. He also worked in Iraq, where he and his Christian team partnered with Muslim dentists, a unique experience of which he was extremely proud.
In his personal life, Robert had many interests, among them traveling, golfing, skiing, home-brewing, and cheering on Marquette Basketball and the Green Bay Packers. Known affectionately as Bapa (being named as such by his first grandchild), he enjoyed visiting his family across the US. He loved to tinker with things, and he became the go-to person for items that needed a fix, often utilizing his favorite tool, pink glue. Robert always provided many laughs, and will continue to do so for many years!
A visitation will take place on Tuesday December 3rd at Hartson Funeral Home, 11111 W Janesville Rd Hales Corners, 53130, from 5 to 7pm with a vigil service at 7pm.
Mass will be held on Wednesday, December 4th at St. Alphonsus Parish located at 6060 West Loomis Road, Greendale, WI, 53129. Visitation at 10am and Mass at 11am, with a luncheon to follow. Private burial services will be held at St. Adalbert's Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations honoring Robert's memory made to South Side Guadalupe Dental, 3535 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53215 are appreciated.