Robert Bruce Wenk, "Bob" as we liked to call him, was a former member of the United States Marine Corps who is survived by his wife Beverly and two of his three children Rob Jr. and Shay. His daughter Tina sadly passed away in 2021.

Bob was a Chicago boy through and through, growing up and thriving in Illinois with his three siblings Bill, Pat and his little brother Richard, who he was particularly close to. Bob was also a mama's boy, and all could see how much he loved his beautiful mom Betty. He grew up vacationing at Deep Lake, Illinois with his many cousins, aunts and uncles and could often be seen fishing and swimming there. His Dad Roland also had a great love for fishing which both Bob and Richard carried into adulthood. As recently as last year they were going on great fishing adventures in the US and Canada. Neither ever turned down a fishing trip!

When he was 18 Bob met the love of his life, Beverly Simms. Four years later they were married in a simple and beautiful ceremony and quickly began having children thereafter. Bob and Bev had an iconic marriage and were married for over 50 years. They resided in Anaheim and later in San Clemente. Bob loved to make his home the hub for the family and extended family to spend holidays, vacations and even weddings at. Bob loved to throw a party!

Bob worked for decades at the company Pacific Handy Cutter in Costa Mesa, CA as Vice President of the company and ended up becoming an owner. He was very proud of the work he did at the company and had deep and lasting friendships with his co-workers and his associates. Bob worked at the company until he decided to retire and live the good life with his wife, children and grandchildren. Bob has five grandchildren including Brittany, Lily, Hazel, Willow and Milo. He also has two great-grandchildren Nayelih and Baby Robbie.

Some of Bob’s passions included coaching women's softball, traveling and being a Mighty Ducks hockey fan. For years, he was head coach of the girl's travel ball team known as "The Batbuster's" and even wrote a book titled Coaching Youth Softball. (You can even look it up on Amazon!) The amount of trophies he collected could have filled a museum!

As for traveling, Bob was always hitting the road and going on an adventure. Since his days in the Marines, he developed a great love of hitting the high seas and made his way all over the world. Some of Bob's favorite places to travel included the Czech Republic, Hawaii. Las Vegas and anywhere he could catch a fish!

Bob had a life-long love of sports and always took his children to Angels Stadium to see his favorite team play. In his later life, Bob's famous season tickets for the Mighty Ducks helped him to indulge in his love of hockey. He often took his son, other family member's and small groups of friends to see the ducks play. One fine day he was even announced on the Jumbo Tron as "fan of the year"!

Everyone who has ever met Bob has been impressed with his intelligence, his humor and his down to earth personality. He loved to make people laugh and it was a special treat to see him interact with his grandchildren or watch him do his "circus act" with his trained little Bichon Frise doggy Mia, may she also rest in peace.

Bob was super generous with everyone, especially with his family. Just this year, as his health started to decline, Bob decided to have one more birthday bash to celebrate his big 80th in Las Vegas. He invited his entire family from Illinois, California, Florida and Wisconsin to come and celebrate with him. You could say he went out with a bang and a great time was had by all.

Bob died peacefully in his sleep on June 15, 2023 at San Juan Hills Healthcare Center where he was recovering from a recent shoulder surgery.

The funeral service will be held on July 30th at 2pm at The Center for Spiritual Living 1201 Puerta Del Sol, San Clemente CA 92673.  

Reception at the family home to follow.