Robert Walter Gernetzke, 87, went to live in his heavenly home Tuesday, May 29, 2018.
He was born Aug. 29, 1930, to Walter and Anna (Subera) Gernetzke. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on South Ridge. He was a member of the Hillsboro High School graduating class of 1948. After high school, he served in the United States Army in Korea during the Korean War from 1952–1954 as a pharmacy technician.
He was united in marriage May 7, 1955, to Clarita Shore at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. Together they farmed in the town of Forest. He also worked as a postal carrier. He was a faithful member of St. Matthew’s; he served on the church council and as the treasurer.
He enjoyed playing cards, listening to polka, and square dancing. Robert and Clarita belonged to the Sweet Heart Square Dancers Club.
Bob loved spending time with his family and had a close bond with his brothers-in-law and with his nieces and nephews. Bob was a quiet, strong man. No matter what life threw at him, he was always willing to help someone else.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Clarita (Shore) Gernetzke; his son, Henry Gernetzke of Viroqua; and his daughter, Amy Gernetzke of Kendall. He is further survived by his in-laws, LaVita Fanta, Wendell (Judy) Shore, Leon (Diane) Shore, Gary (Trudy) Hutter, and Daniel (Charlotte) Shore. He also is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Gordon (JoAnn) Shore, Raymond Fanta, Jerome Shore; and his nephew, Larry Fanta.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 297 E. South Railroad St., Kendall. Pastor Larry Neitzel will officiate. Burial will be held at South Ridge Cemetery in rural Ontario.
Family and friends are invited for visitation Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of church service.
The Smith-Nelson Funeral Home in Kendall is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.