Robert Burkhardt
Robert John Burkhardt, affectionately known as Bob to his friends and family, passed away on September 9, 2025, at the age of 70, in Wauwatosa, WI. Born on September 23, 1954, in Milwaukee, WI, Bob was a man of profound integrity, warmth, and intelligence. He was a devoted husband, loving father, caring brother, and doting Papa whose legacy of kindness and strength will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him.
Bob received his education from Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) and the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and was a proud graduate of Pius XI High School. His sharp mind and passion for innovation led him to a fulfilling career as an engineer at CDP Corp., where he was not only respected for his professional acumen but also cherished for his warmth and sincerity.
A devout Catholic, Bob lived his faith through his actions, showing compassion and generosity.
Bob’s love for golf was well-known, as he could often be found on the course, enjoying the challenge of the game. He was proud of his four holes in one and his extremely rare albatross at the Bull. Yet, it was his family that truly captured his heart. His wife, Kim, traveled this journey with him for the past 55 years. They didn’t just share a life—they built it together. They raised their children, Jon, Tiffany, and Michael, instilling in them the values of hard work, honesty, and love.
Bob’s life was a testament to the power of love, the importance of family, and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. Those who knew him will remember his humor, his singing voice, and the support he provided. He was a beacon of light and a source of unwavering reliability in the lives of his loved ones.
From the moment of his diagnosis, he faced every challenge with unprecedented tenacity, profound courage, and a positive outlook that inspired everyone around him. He did not see himself as a victim, but as a fighter—determined to live each day fully, love deeply, and never surrender hope.
Throughout his journey, Bob endured countless treatments and very difficult days with grace and relentless determination. No matter how hard the road became, he greeted each sunrise with a grateful heart and a warrior’s spirit. Even in the darkest moments, his light never dimmed. He brought humor to hospital rooms and strength to those who found it hard to stand. His wife, Kim, supported him and cared for him with unimaginable strength and dedication. And even when the final chapter came, it did not come with defeat. It came with peace, pride, and a legacy of indomitable will. He didn’t just fight cancer—he lived, loved, and inspired through it.
Bob’s spirit will be carried on by his cherished family, including his wife, Kim; his children, Jon; Tiffany and her husband, Matthew; Michael and his wife, Lindsay; his brother, Bill; and his adored grandchildren, Elliott, Jane, Olivia, and Thomas. He was very loved by his sisters-in-law and his many nieces and nephews. He joins in Heaven his late parents, Margaret and William; his sister, Joan; and his beloved in-laws, Katherine and Leonard.
As we bid farewell to Robert John Burkhardt, we take solace in the memories he leaves behind and the knowledge that his legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to cross his path. We celebrate a life well-lived, a journey well-traveled, and a man well-loved. Rest in peace, dear Bob, until we meet again.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 9:30AM to 10: 45 AM with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 AM at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 995 S. Silver Lake St., Oconomowoc, WI.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause close to Bob’s heart. https://t2t.org