Robert passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, July 14, 2024, his Mother’s Birthday, 3 days after he turned 97, joining his wife and true companion Fay “Fifi” in eternal life. Fantastic Father of Randy (Cindy) and Greg. Super Grandpa to Ryan (Amber) Simatic and Annie (Joel) Nelson. Great-Grandpa, “Bob-Bob” to Maggie and Lucy Nelson. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Irene (nee Rothe) Simatic and his brother Al and sister-in-law, Virginia. Survived by his brother Ron (Diane); nephews Russ (Christie), Rollie (Debbie), Rick (Linda), Gary Hartfield, Jay (Mark) Hartfield; nieces Jan (Don) Delaney, Gayle (Dan) Berry, Dawne Hartfield, Shelley (Mark) Borlen, Rhonda Jo Simatic. 

Bob was born in South Milwaukee on July 11, 1927. He learned to play the concertina and would perform at various social events with his Grandpa Rothe. Bob enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II in October, 1944, and served until Feb. 13,1947 as a Carpenter’s Mate, returning to South Milwaukee to marry Fay Mills. Bob became an electrician and was employed at McGraw-Edison Line Material for over 20 years. After a brief stint as the Maintenance Coordinator at Young Radiator of Racine, Bob and Fay headed north to become the proprietors of Northland Resort in Chetek, Wisconsin for ten years, leaving snowy Wisconsin for sunny Florida. Bob lived in Spring Hill, Clearwater and Largo and was employed by Kinder Care Day Care Centers as a Maintenance Supervisor of six to eight schools, and was dubbed “Mr. Bob” by the children.

Upon the passing of his wife, Fay, on March 10, 2007, Mr. Bob returned to South Milwaukee in December of 2007 to live with his son, Greg. A lifelong Packer fan, Mr. Bob obtained “Green” package Packer season tickets for himself and his sons in 1978, initially in Milwaukee County Stadium and eventually Lambeau Field.

After visiting an Oktoberfest, Mr. Bob was inspired to become “Shot Ski” Bob, creating and selling nearly 200 thematic (Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks) and custom Shotskis. He became a member of the American Legion (finally) in 2021 and in 2021 Shotski Bob was selected to be the Grand Marshall of the South Milwaukee Heritage Days Parade.

In short, this obit could easily become a book. We bid adieu to a man who touched so many in so many ways. His teasing temperament and his willingness to always be there for us will be truly missed. Goodbye for now, Dad. We love you and always will… and, oh…say “Hi” to Mom. FYI, the funeral for Robert, Mr. Bob, will be Saturday, August 3 at Molthen Bell, 700 Milwaukee Avenue, South Milwaukee. Visitation will be from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Lutheran service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to South Milwaukee High school Athletic Department, South Milwaukee Human Concerns, the Clement Zablocki Veteran Affairs Medical Center school district of South Milwaukee on 901 15th ave. South Milwaukee, attention Sarah, or other charity of your choice.