Robert Lee Lischka

Lischka, Robert Lee “Bob”, age 89, passed away at UW-Madison Hospital on Saturday, June 29, 2024 after a brief illness. Bob was born on July 16, 1934 in Beaver Dam. He was the fifth of twelve children born to Alois and Anna (Cigelske) Lischka. Bob graduated from the one-room Richwood Grade School and attended Watertown High School. Bob enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1955 and served two years as a radio operator for the company commander in Alaska. While in the service, Bob bought a sewing machine and earned pocket money by sewing on patches on his fellow soldiers’ uniforms. After his discharge, Bob worked for Aunt Nellie’s Canning Factory, Freitag Movers/Wheaton Van Lines. Bob met and married Kathryn Ann Bergin on June 6, 1959. Eventually, Bob wanted a job that would keep him closer to home, so he started at United Parcel Service where he delivered packages for 33 years. He also worked for 24 years for Oconomowoc Transportation, delivering countless children to school daily and driving high school teams to competitions on the weekends. In his retirement, Bob worked for the Watertown Daily Times for 17 years. Bob accompanied his wife, Kay, on three trips to Ireland over the years. They also traveled the United States in their Winnebago motorhome and Bob served as president of the Wisconsin Winnebago State Club. Bob also chaired two Winnebago State Rallies held at the Portage Fairgrounds and attended by Winnebago owners from all over the USA. Bob and Kay enjoyed camping for 60 years! When they gave up their Winnebago, they were snowbirds for over twenty years in Lady Lake, Florida. An Honorary Member of the Watertown Turners for 67 years, Bob also served as their President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Bob was a member of Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church for 65 years. An avid card player, especially euchre and sheepshead, Bob won many tournaments here and in Florida. Bob also enjoyed playing BINGO. He received many ribbons on his plastic canvas crafts and was known for the hundreds of knit hats he made and donated for newborn babies at Watertown Memorial Hospital and families in the Ocala Forest. Bob also volunteered at Marquardt Village. Bob was a member of American Legion Post #189

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Kathryn Ann “Kay” (née Bergin), daughter, Linda (Don) Olson of Andover, MN, son, Layne Lischka of Gilbert, AZ, son-in-law, Sean (Sara) Marschke of Franklin, WI, three grandchildren, Caylyn Marschke of Oak Creek, WI, Andrew Olson, USMC, currently stationed in Quantico, VA, and Matthew Olson of Andover, MN, two sisters, June (David) Gubin of Juneau, Dolores (Dennis) Gubin of Mayville, one brother, Ronald Lischka of Mayville, four sisters-in-law, Ardelle Bergin, Marilyn Krahn, Ruth Lischka all of Watertown and Frances Lischka of Milwaukee, brother-in-law, Patrick Bergin of Watertown, and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Laurel Marschke, four brothers: James (Ruth) Lischka Sr., Alois Lischka Jr., Joseph Lischka, and Herbert Lischka, four sisters: Marian (Fred) Witter, Lorraine (Lawrence) Koehler, Helen (Tom) Erdmann, Edith (Glenn) Neuendorf, sister-in-law, Eileen Lischka, and brother-in-law, William Bergin.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church in Watertown with Fr. David Drefcinski and Fr. James Bergin SVD concelebrating. Visitation will take place at the church from 9:30am until time of service. Military Honors will immediately follow the ceremony at the church. Private burial will take place at Saint Bernard’s Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Bob’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.