Robert "Bob" R. Fischer

Robert R. Fischer “Bob” of Cedarburg, peacefully left this earth to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family on December 8, 2018, at the age of 85. Beloved husband of Sylvia (nee Zimmermann). Loving dad of Darrell (Susan) Fischer, Doug (Annette) Fischer, Dana (Mike) Moran, Jeff (Patty) Vahsholtz and David (Melissa) Vahsholtz. Proud grandpa of Cari Ann (Ken) Grabow, Brittany Rohde, Andrea (Kevin) Bernhardt, Andrew (Elyce) Fischer, Michael (Tracy) Rohde, Brian (Stephanie) Vahsholtz, Daniel Fischer, Christopher (Michelle) Vahsholtz, Nicholas Vahsholtz, Brett (Cydney) Vahsholtz, Michelle (Jacob) Konkel, Caitlynn (Brandon) Jansma, Joseph Fischer, Tyler Vahsholtz, Trevor Vahsholtz and Bryson Vahsholtz. Adored great-grandpa of Madison, Aidan, Riley, Evan, Brady, Lillian, Rosalie, Field, Bryson, Decorra, Kody, Logan, J.J., Lylah Brielle, Austin and Chayse. Further survived by his sister, Ruth Sobecki and brother-in-law Terry (Nancy) Newton. Also survived by nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. Bob was preceded in death by his first love, wife Shelley Newton Fischer, niece Renee (Rettig) Schramm and great-granddaughter Elsy Mae Jansma. Bob was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Frank and Elizabeth (nee Kiefer) Fischer. He graduated from Shorewood High School and went on to attend Milwaukee State Teachers College to pursue a degree in Music Education. Bob was a gifted trumpet player, but not a gifted student. He was drafted into the US Army late in his sophomore year during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA. He married his high school sweetheart Shelley in 1954. Together they lived in Washington State until Bob was honorably discharged in 1955, when they returned to Milwaukee. Bob proudly served in the 2nd Division Army Band. He went on to play professionally in many dance bands in the greater Milwaukee area and was a longtime member of the Milwaukee Musicians Union. Bob spent 39 great years as a store manager for Kohl’s Food Stores where he made so many lifelong friends of his employees, co-workers and customers. He loved people and was equally loved in return. After being widowed very young, it was at Kohl’s that he met the second great love of his life, Sylvia (nee Zimmermann) Vahsholtz. They blended two families on September 9, 1978 and never looked back. Dad would often say, “most men aren’t blessed with true love once in their life, I hit the jackpot twice!” Truer words were never spoken. We all became the Fischoltz Family”, we celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past September. On November 7, 2015, Bob was honored to take his turn on an Honor Flight. It was a day he’d never forget. Accompanied by his eldest son Darrell, Bob spent 14 hours touring and being thanked for his service to his country. He returned to Milwaukee to a Homecoming he just never got over. Bob will be dearly missed by his neighborhood family and his church family at Immanuel Lutheran, where he served on many committees and had leadership roles over the years. He also enjoyed working part-time in his retirement years as a driver for Sommers Auto Dealership in Mequon. Above all else, Bob’s best times were spent with his family. He loved to entertain us all, especially as we grew to the amazing 53 strong we are today. Family first, family always…what a legacy of love. Funeral service will be held Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 6:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, W61 N498 Washington Avenue, Cedarburg. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 3:00 until 5:45 PM. Private Burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church or the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight are appreciated.