Robert W. "Bob" Burdick

Marquette, WI - Robert Wayne "Bob" Burdick, age 84, entered his eternal home after a life defined by service, devotion, craftsmanship and unwavering love for his family and community on Monday, March 9, 2026.He was born November 29, 1941, at home in Oak Grove, Dodge County, WI, the son of Roy and Ruth Heinzelman Burdick. He was baptized by Rev. Martin Dreus, with Godparents, aunt Mabel Wampler, uncle Blaine Heinzelman, and his grandfather, John (Jake) Heinzelman. His Confirmation verse was "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3), remained a guiding truth throughout his life."Bob was a 1961 graduate of Juneau High School where he was a proud member of the wrestling and football teams and served on Homecoming Court. Just two days before his 20th birthday, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished military career that shaped the rest of his life. He served as an A1st Class Crew Chief and airplane mechanic, working on RF-101 and F-102 Voodoo aircraft while stationed in Misawa, Japan; Da Nang; Saigon; and Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Vietnam. While stationed overseas Bob joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars as his pride in his service to God and Country. Returning home in 1965, Bob-like many Vietnam Veterans-was not welcomed with the honor he deserved, yet he remained steadfast in his pride of service and dedicated himself to supporting fellow veterans. On June 24, 1967, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Janet Lueck, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Watertown. Their love story began on a blind date arranged by their respective best friends and grew into a 58-year partnership filled with laughter, shared projects and deep devotion.Bob, nicknamed the "Whistling Milkman", was a milk truck driver for Mullens Dairy of Watertown and Rock River Co-Op, before finding his true calling at Northwestern College Lutheran Prep School. For 27 years he served in building and boiler maintenance and as a skilled woodcrafter. Bob was affectionately named "Humprey" by the students. He also traveled with Professors of Northwestern College to Antigua, assisting with rebuilding homes and schools after devastating storms, reflecting his lifelong commitment to service. Bob was respected for his craftsmanship, humor and dedication, and he was honored with a character in a student publication. He also joyfully played the role of Santa Claus for 27 years at homes in Dodge and Jefferson Counties, and for numerous local area community organizations. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and cruising Lake Puckaway on the pontoon sharing stories, laughter, adventures with family and friends and searching for the greatest fish stories ever told.Bob held memberships in American Legion #189 in Watertown before transferring to Kingston Duwane "Sonny" Walker Post #395, where he served as Chaplain and on the Funeral Honor Guard. He was a charter member of Lake Puckaway Yacht Club, holding the office of Commander for two terms, appointed to the Green Lake County Veterans Service Commission and was a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans Mid-Wisconsin Chapter 60, Tan Son Nhut Association of Vietnam and Kingston Historical Preservation Society. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW, serving as Commander of the Richwood Clarence McGuire Post #7852 from 1974-75, a member of the Firing Squad and Honor Guard, and an active leader in programs such as Voice of Democracy, Buddy Poppies and Bingo chairperson. He later transferred to the Princeton G.G. Mueller VFW Post, holding the Honor Degree of the Military Order of the Cootie.Bob and Janet were instrumental in the creation of the Grand View Cemetery flagpole and R.O.S.E. (Reflections of Souls Eternal tribute), honoring veterans laid to rest in Marquette. On November 11, 2011, when the American flag was raised there for the first time, an eagle flew overhead-a moment Bob treasured as a sign of honor and remembrance. Bob was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Marquette, designing and building the church's library cabinets, serving as Board Chairperson and presenting Confirmation students with a Christian wooden cross.In 2004, Bob and Janet fulfilled their dream of retiring to Marquette. Bob designed his woodworking shop and quickly became an integral part of the community. He crafted furniture, wall art, garden pieces and donated countless items for local fundraisers. Known affectionately as "Bob the Builder", always ready to lend a helping hand! He was the man with all the tools and knew how to use them. Annually, he made the trophy plagues for Marquette Volunteer Fire Department's House Pull.His retirement years were filled with memorable trips, including multiple guided visits by his grandson, Matthew, to Walt Disney World, attending military ceremonies and participating in the 2018 Badger Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. with daughter, Deborah, as his guardian. It was a truly memorable highlight of his life. On a return trip to Walt Disney World, Bob was selected to be Veteran of the Day during the ceremony of retiring of the Colors in the Magic Kingdom.Bob faced significant health challenges following a serious car accident in 2021, yet he met each day with courage, optimism, and gratitude. His spirit remained joyful and determined, strengthened by his faith and the love of his family. Bob will be remembered for his warm smile, generous LOVING heart, steadfast patriotism and the countless ways he used his hands and talents to serve others. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the community he strengthened, and the love he shared so freely. Bob will also be lovingly remembered by his loyal companion and golf cart sidekick, Tinker Belle. To my one and only LOVE, who now calls heaven as your home: I was supposed to spend the rest of my life with you and then I realized you spent your life with me. I smile because I know you loved me; till the day you were called home to the Father. I will keep loving you til the day we will be reunited. Love you for all eternity. "I thank God every time I remember you. I have you in my heart." -Philippians 1:3, 7.He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Burdick; daughters, Deborah (Greg) Ebert and Rebecca (Craig) Sadler; son, William (Natalie) Burdick; grandchildren, SSgt. Nicholas (Janice) Ebert and Matthew Ebert; great-grandsons, Gregory Ebert II and Levi Thomas; brothers, Jim (Dawn) Burdick and John Burdick; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear thoughtful, caring friends and neighbors. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don Burdick; beloved aunt and uncle, Betty and Bob Mink; four brothers-in-law; four sisters-in-law; nephews; numerous dear friends; and fellow Veterans.Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Manchester. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Jeff Drake and Rev. Michael Plagenz officiating. Military honors will be held at Grandview Cemetery in Marquette following the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. Memorials may be directed to Kingston Mill Pond Library, Green Lake K-9 Unit, Marquette Volunteer Fire Department and American Legion Post #189 of Watertown to erect a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail to Robert Burdick, c/o Barbola Funeral Chapel, PO Box 201, Berlin, WI 54923. Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com.