Robert Wasielewski

On Tuesday, March 18th , 2025, Bobby earned his angel wings; with Gigi by his side, he very quietly and peacefully passed away after a lengthy illness.

Loving uncle to Jeanmarie "Gigi" Jones and their dog Melodee. Further survived by his cousin and “Words with Friends” partner, Jean Anczak, along with many additional friends, many of whom he viewed as family. Preceded in death by his mother, Lucille Wasielewski, his Uncle Tony Wentland, his grandparents Mary and Roman Wentland and his cousin, Myron Anczak. His lifelong soul mate was his sister Diane, who also preceded him in death.

Born January 6th, 1955, Bobby was raised by his mother Lucille but due to their mother’s health, Diane stepped in at a very young age of 11 to help care for Bobby. This was the beginning of an eternal bond between the two of them. They were more than siblings; they were best friends, and their lives were intricately intertwined. Those that know the family know that wherever one of them went, the other was close behind.

In 1973, Bobby was in the inaugural graduating class of Thomas Moore High School. He was a musician in high school, and he played the drums in band. He was also in a group where he played the bass drum while marching in the Circus Parade.

He was a Former Member and Past President of the Lincoln Village Neighborhood Association where he helped the neighborhood with improvements and enhancements. He was a Past President and Former Board Member of the Dairyland Theater Organ Society where he was part of the team that restored the organ at the Riverside Theater. He was a member of the Humboldt Park 4th of July Association where he helped put on the parade and celebration at the park. He was also a past member of the Polish Woman’s Alliance of America, no doubt due to Diane’s commitment.

Bobby worked as a Set Up Man for printers throughout his career in various companies. He would get the jobs ready to run for printing. For a short time, he worked as a manager at Mill Road Theater where he would take the rolls of film and splice them together so the movie would run and wouldn’t have interruptions but was on hand for repairs if they broke. Towards the end of his career, he worked at H&R Block as a Tax Preparer.

One constant in Bobby’s life was his love for his family. He was a Brother and Friend to Diane and exceeded the title of Uncle for Gigi. He was her dad, friend and supported her throughout her life. He wanted to share his love of music with her so for her First Communion he bought her a guitar fitted just for her. He took her to her guitar and organ lessons and encouraged her to expand into a pedal steel guitar. He was their protector and was always just a few steps away to ensure that all was all right.

Throughout Bobby’s life he had challenges he had to overcome. From being raised by a single mom to his lifetime of health issues, he still had an exceptionally strong faith. He would go monthly to an all-night vigil. He belonged to a Rosary Society where he made corded rosaries to give to people who couldn’t afford their own and to missions in other countries. He enlisted the help of his entire family to help make the rosaries.

Bobby had a love to help people. Gigi and her best friend, Michelle, tell a story of a time when they had a flat tire. Bobby was determined to help even though being a mechanic wasn’t his forte. He would volunteer alongside Diane and Gigi for whatever event they were doing from parades to helping at various dog events. He was a person you could count on and would give as much as he could no matter what the task was.

Bobby’s love for dogs ran throughout his life. One of his early events was with his Cocker/Schnauzer “Friskie”. They showed at an obedience demonstration at the Milwaukee Sports Show. He was a founding member of Dancers with Woofs and served as their videographer as well as vehicle driver to accompany the teams. He was extremely proud of their dogs and Gigi when they performed. Melodee was his baby. There is no doubt that he had a pack of dogs waiting for him at Heaven’s Gates, led by Banditt who he cheered on with Gigi when they competed in dancing.

Gigi wishes to extend a special thanks to the Nurses, Medical Assistants, Doctors and Staff at Aurora West Allis Memorial Hospital, 6th Floor. You took amazing care of Bobby on the most challenging days he had with love, expertise and a stern hand when he needed a little push. It is clear that you are all truly exceptional in what you do and Bobby’s life was made better by it.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27th, 2025 at 10 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 3722 S. 58th St., Milwaukee, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Interment St. Adalbert Cemetery, Milwaukee.