Robert H. Niesen

Racine – Robert “Bob” Henry Niesen, age 85, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 surrounded by his family at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Hospital in Racine Wisconsin, after a brief illness. Born June 17, 1929 in Racine to the late Theodore and Theresa (nee: Maier) he was united in marriage to Martle (nee: Rick) Niesen on November 25, 1950. Robert’s smile and humor will be deeply missed by Martle, his wife of 64 years; sons; David, Tom, Ken (Tracy) and Barry (Jill) and his daughter, Diane (Peter) Dyhan; grandchildren; Brian, Jeanna (Shane) Cates, Cayla Stevens and Christian Matalik; and great-grandchild, Janessa Cates, as well as friends and anyone who he came in contact with. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings and his daughter-in-law, Lisa Ann Niesen. Mr. Niesen proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. For a decade he managed the Racine County Humane Society and instructed 4-H dog obedience classes. In 1961 Robert became the chairman of the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Committee. For almost two decades, Robert volunteered and gave countless hours in setting up teams, lining up sponsors, coaches and umpires and distributing baseball shirts and trophies for more than 500 boys and girls. In 1966 Robert was instrumental in expanding the program to include teen dances, children and adult couple’s leagues in bowling and adult dart ball. Additionally, in 1967, he aided in organizing a Sunday family swim program at Case High School. In 1968 he helped develop a senior citizens program. Robert enjoyed many years of bowling, dart ball and golf with his wife and friends. Robert was a machinist for Twin Disc for over 25 years, retiring in 1994. In his retirement Robert started up Ceramics by Bob. His hand painted craftsmanship could be found on display at numerous craft shows from Kenosha to Door County. In his leisure, Robert passionately spent his days grooming his lawn, dancing the Jitterbug, playing cards and scratch offs and watching the Brewers. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Wheaton Franciscan ICU for their nurturing treatment and care of Robert and his family. A family private service will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. “God saw he was getting tired and the cure was not to be. So He put his arms around him and whispered "Come with me" With tearful hearts we watched him fade away. Although we loved him dearly, we could not make him stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.” Memorials may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, donors@stjude.org

Robert H. Niesen

June 17, 1929 - July 16, 2014