Robert ""Bob"" T. Osterkil

Robert ""Bob"" T. Osterkil

Madison - Robert ""Bob"" T. Osterkil, age 77, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, surrounded by his family.

Born April 17, 1932, in Minneapolis, MN, he spent his youth in Port Edwards, WI and the majority of his adult life in Madison.  Bob spent 4 years in the U.S. Air Force, and then earned his Bachelor's Degree in history at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.  Bob worked for 34 years with the State of Wisconsin, Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations, retiring in 1995.  He was an active member of the International Association Personnel in Employment Security, including serving as president.

A devoted Wisconsin sports fan, Bob was a season ticket holder for the Badger football team and frequented the Badger men's and women's basketball games.  He was also a true Packer and Brewer fan. Bob bowled in leagues for many years and was an avid golfer.  He could be seen on the Norsk Golf Course in Mt. Horeb every day the weather permitted.  Bob also played on many men's softball teams up to his retirement.  He was widely read in politics and history, and stayed on top of current events.  Bob also enjoyed the daily crossword and other word puzzles.  He supported progressive causes and was proud of Wisconsin's political heritage and history.

    

Bob was a devoted family man, proud of his children and grandchildren.  In 1981, a mutual friend introduced him to Mavis K. Monson.  He had found the love of his life and this love endured to his death. He was a tolerant man, both reluctant to judge and genuinely interested in others. Bob had a wonderfully dry sense of humor and enjoyed playful teasing.

Bob is survived by his wife Mavis, his son Alan (Susan) Osterkil of Fort Wayne, IN, his daughter Julie (Dave) Nischwitz of Moreno Valley, CA, and his grandchildren Sam and Erik Osterkil.  In addition, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Fred Miller, his nephews, Bob and Fritz Miller, and his niece Margie Dorshorst, all of Arpin, WI., as well as a host of nieces and nephews on the west coast.

He is preceded in death by his sister Margaret (Osterkil) Miller, and sisters found later in life, Florence, Gladys, Norma, Leona, Lenore, Lucille, Luella, as well as his parents.

At Bob's request, there will be cremation and no funeral service. He did express a desire for a Celebration of Life, a gathering for family, friends and neighbors to share stories and memories.  This celebration will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens Atrium.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob's memory may be sent to the Port Edwards Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 99, Port Edwards, WI, 54469; or the Madison Public Library Foundation, 201 West Mifflin St., Madison, WI 53703.

The family would like to thank Dr. Meetul Shah, Dr. James Couser, Jr., and the caring nursing staff at 5 Southwest of St. Mary's Hospital, as well as the neighbors, friends and family for their healing energy and loving support.  

Cress

Funeral & Cremation Service

6021 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705

(608) 238-8406

www.cressfuneralservice.com