Robert "Bob" John Sachse

Robert "Bob" John Sachse, 86 passed away peacefully at home serenaded and surrounded by loved ones on March 18, 2021. Born in Milwaukee November 7, 1934 to Frank and Claire Sachse, Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Bobby, as he was known to his nine siblings, graduated from Cathedral High School in 1953 and went on to sail the great lakes as a Merchant Seaman, with a short stint in the US Army as a paratrooper for two years between. After spending some time as a Milwaukee police officer, Bob began his lifelong career in iron and steel construction. As a member of the Iron Workers Local Union 8, Bob worked on structures such as Froedtert Hospital, The Bradley Center and the conic Milwaukee Art Museum, sometimes taking his children and grandchildren on private tours after hours, proud to share what he was working on. He could be found at dizzying heights traversing the steel beams of buildings under construction well into his seventies, often out pacing colleagues more than half his age.

Throughout his life, Bob’s love of travel never waned. Master of the road trip, his adventures took him to Germany, Austria, Nepal, India, Bangkok and all over the continental United States, but his greatest adventure began when he met the love of his life Theresa Catherine Ellis. Married December 29, 1962, the following October the beautiful couple welcomed their first daughter Laura, followed in quick succession by daughters Bridget, Julie, Anne, Carrie and finally, Matthew, fulfilling their dream of having a big family.

Another dream for Bob and Terry was to raise their family in a rural community in the Holy Hill area, Bob’s stomping grounds during his high school years. Later he would bring Terry out for Sunday drives often stopping at The Erin Inn, where Bob would perform impromptu concerts with his Gibson guitar.

As a young man, Bob charmed all with his beautiful singing and guitar playing. He taught his daughters to sing, and they performed for friends and relatives, and became the family choir for Saturday night mass at St. Catherine’s Church in Mapleton. A singer who lost his voice but never his untamable spirit, his musical talent lives on through his children and grandchildren.

Like a true German, potato growing was his specialty, but a finely roasted ear of Wisconsin corn dipped in butter melted in an old metal coffee can was his signature dish. Those who knew Bob will miss the twinkle in his blue eyes, his silly sense of humor, his soup and chocolate cakes, his immense love for his family, his willingness to help others and his incredible strength and resilience.

Bob is survived by his wife Terry, children Laura (Dan Martier), Bridget (Andrew Luthringer), Julie (Paul Davis), Anne (Patrick Abresh), Carrie (George Hofheimer) and Matt, siblings John, Carol and Bill, grandchildren, Josh, Lucy, Evan, Rachel, Jacob, Sage, Allie, Huck, Santosh, Ravi, Luna, Hannah, Milo and Inde and great grandson, Fields.

A corn roast celebration of Bob’s life will be held in late August.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob Sachse’s name to St. Vincent De Paul, St. Catherine Alexandria Church Conference 262-443-7856.

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