Robert Blackbird

Bob Blackbird April 20, 1928 – March 19, 2020, age 91, formerly of Eden, WI and Green Bay, WI passed away on March 19, 2020 in Grafton, WI. Bob was born in Eden, WI, the fifth of seven children born to Guy and Katherine (Nee Norton) Blackbird. In 1949 Bob enlisted in the Air Force where he went to Basic Training in Mississippi. His tour of duty took Bob to Germany where he was stationed in Celle and he worked as an airplane mechanic in the Berlin Airlift. It was at the “Union” in Celle that he met the love of his life, Stefanie (nee Simka). Bob and Stefanie married on September 1, 1951. After returning to the United States, Bob took an apprenticeship and became a master machinist. After working in Salt Lake City, Bob and Stefanie moved to Green Bay where he had long career at Paper Converting Machine Company. They raised their family in Hobart but retired in Green Bay. Bob is survived by his wife, Stefanie, his children Callen (Caroline Mann), Tegan (Karen), Haly, (Mike Besaw-his favorite), his grandchildren Logan (Paulina), Erin Megenity (Charlie), Molly (AJ), Jordan Landis (Caleb) and Ethan and his great grandchildren Elwood Megenity, Arthur and Caylie Landis. Bob is preceded in death by his parents Guy and Katherine, and his siblings Allen (Barbara), James Mangan, William, Sr. Patricia, Sr. Celesta and Betty Derus. Bob was a passionate man who loved the Packers, sailing, fishing. He loved living out in the country where he drove his Ford tractor around his homestead. The animals loved Bob where he had not only pet dogs and hundreds of cats, but a beautiful dove that followed him everywhere. Bob loved the people around him. He took great pride in his coworkers at Paper Converting and cherished their friendships. He was a friend to everyone who knew him and took time to chat with everyone he met. As dementia took over, he became even more loving to those around them telling everyone how wonderful they are. Bob was a man of strong faith. He read his bible daily and shared his beliefs with everyone. A special thanks to the wonderful staff at Village Point Commons who have taken such good care of Bob for the last three years. He will be missed by his many friends and family. A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at a later date.