Robert Walter Goelz

• Visitation
  • February 22nd, 2021 at HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES, 9200 S. 27th St, Oak Creek, from 3pm-6pm. Devotion to follow at 6pm.
• Additional Visitation
  • February 23rd, 2021 at ST. PAUL’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 6881 S. 51st St., Franklin, from 10am – 11am.
• Funeral Service
  • February 23rd, 2021 at ST. PAUL’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, 6881 S. 51st St., Franklin, at 11am.

Robert Walter Goelz, of Muskego, WI,  joined his Savior in his heavenly home on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, after contracting a blood infection. The Lord called Bob home having granted 83 years and 1 day of grace here on earth.  Robert was born on February 15, 1938, in Cudahy, WI to Walter and Linda Goelz (nee Schlueter). Bob attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and Church in Cudahy, where he was baptized on March 6, 1938, and confirmed in his Christian faith on May 25, 1952. He attended Racine Lutheran High School, graduating in 1956. As a child, he most loved being with his dad and visiting his uncle and cousin, who were both farmers. These visits were the reason Bob desired to own his own farm someday. On June 24, 1970, Bob married Carol Richter (nee Kolbow) at Concordia College in Milwaukee, WI. Bob became a member at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Franklin, WI where he served on several boards, worked with the Lutheran Pioneers, and was president of the congregation for 7 years. One of his greatest joys was volunteering to co-chair and help build the new church building in 2010. Bob was often seen at St. Paul’s church, school and cemetery in his spare time, fixing things that needed repairs and finding ways to help improve the property. He did these things without ever wanting acknowledgement or thanks; he was simply a generous and dedicated servant who did these odd jobs out of the goodness of his heart. His faith and his family were of utmost importance to him. Bob attended church regularly his entire life, and enjoyed singing hymns and praising his Lord with his loved ones. He instilled that faith and love for his Savior in his family. Bob enjoyed serving his Lord by supporting WELS ministries with his time and talents, including Wisconsin Lutheran High School and Wisconsin Lutheran College, where he served on the Board of Regents. Bob served in the Air National Guard for eight years, from age 17-24. In August of 1956, he served a state indentured apprenticeship as a tool and die maker at Ladish Co. in Cudahy, WI. He was always a hard worker, and his employers recognized his drive and commitment to accurate and fast work. Adam Products offered him a foreman position at age 28, and trained him to be the lead man. Other employers were Kyle, Allis Tool and Machine, Spicer, and Perfex, all of which recognized Bob’s gift for leadership and hard work. In 1984, Bob founded his own company, Rocore Industries in Greendale, WI. After 12 successful years operating Rocore, Bob moved on to 3 more businesses before retiring at age 70. Bob was always willing to help anyone, and volunteering is how he spent his retirement. He loved helping his family and friends with projects or jobs, and if he couldn’t do it himself, he always knew someone who could! Despite all these jobs and businesses, his true passion in life was farming. He worked for several other farmers, including his father-in-law, Glenn Kolbow, before God finally answered his prayer of owning his own farm on S. 27th street in Oak Creek, WI. During his retirement, Bob would continue to volunteer on friends’ farms, simply because he loved farming so much. He had a collection of tractors and farm equipment which he enjoyed working on in his spare time. Bob was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren. He loved supporting them at sporting and other school events. His grandchildren fondly remember him playing pranks, goofing around and teasing them constantly, and they loved it. They couldn’t have asked for a better, more supportive and loving Christian grandpa. His grandchildren were his joy later in life. Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol, and 7 children: David (Janet) Long, Daniel (KimMarie) Long, Eric (Colleen) Goelz, Sheryl Lundgren, Connie (Tod) Hauf, Karen (John) Milazzo, and Martin (Sara) Goelz. In addition, he has 19 grandchildren: Max (Ashley) Long, Megan Long, Cassandra (William) Nordlund, Andrea (Logan) Collins, Julie Long, Jade Long, Andrew Goelz, Matthew Goelz, Laura (Paul) Kolander, David (Mikayla) Lundgren, Ryan Kramer, Rachel Kramer, Risa Kramer, Cameron Hoffman, Trevor Hoffman, Logan Hoffman, Kendall Milazzo, Jack Goelz, and Jenna Goelz. Bob was blessed with 7 great-grandchildren: Evelyn Long, Samuel, Henry and Abigail Nordlund, Eleanor Collins, and Liesel and Alice Kolander. Bob is also survived by 2 sisters, Dorothy Hopman and Alice Danell, as well many nieces, nephews. and other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Linda Goelz, grandparents Adam and Sophie Goelz and Fred and Laura Schlueter, sisters Ethel Zess, Nancy Layman, Paula Harju, Laura Johnson, and Margaret Price. His cousins, David Schlueter and Karl Schlueter, who were like brothers to him, also preceded him in death.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa for their compassion and dedication to Bob.

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 22 from 3-6pm at Heritage Funeral Homes, 9200 S. 27^th St, Oak Creek, WI, followed by a devotional service. Funeral service will be Tuesday, February 23 beginning with visitation at 10am, service at 11am at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 6881 S. 51^st St, Franklin, WI. His mortal remains will be laid to rest at Arlington Cemetery in Milwaukee, WI. In lieu of flowers, please send any gifts or donations to Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, WI.