Robert E. Jankowski

Robert “Bob” Ernest Jankowski, age 91 of Menasha, WI peacefully went home to Jesus on May 12, 2025. He was born to Adolph and Bernice (Ostrowski) Jankowski on November 27, 1933 in the town of Linwood, WI. During his youth, he would often talk to and flirt with the girl over the fence in the house behind his. Her name was Dorothy Peabody and, after graduating high school, they decided to marry each other in May of 1956, having 6 children together. On the day of his death – the same day of their anniversary - they had been married 69 wonderful years. After his time in the Army protecting the Nike Missile Batteries in New York and Staten Island, he happily worked many jobs, but was best known for being a carrier for USPS, making sure everybody got their mail on time.

Bob was first and foremost a man of strong faith and love. After he developed his personal relationship with Jesus, he shared the love and grace of God with anyone and everyone who wanted to hear about the good word. He spent much of his time visiting prisons and hospitals, doing the work of God and spreading the good news. Bob had many hobbies, especially sports. When he wasn’t cheering on the Packers and Brewers, he was fishing on the lake, hurling a bowling ball down the lane, or practicing his drive on the golf course. Bob had a deep love and appreciation for music. He was self-taught on all of the instruments he played – never knew how to read sheet music, just playing by ear. He formed several bands, including the Country Trio, the Country Four, and the Homestead Relief, as well as playing in the Eldon Otto Orchestra. He’s probably singing and playing guitar in heaven now that the band’s back together. Bob was passionate about helping children and, with Dorothy, helped foster many children over their years together. He also worked in several Rawhide telethons with Bart and Cherry Starr. His door was open to anyone who wanted or needed his presence – family, friends, and strangers alike, he just loved good company. More than anything else, Bob loved his family. He went to as many of his grandkids’ sporting events that he could and treasured all of his family get-togethers. Bob was so proud of all the kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids he helped to raise.

Bob will be deeply missed by his wife, Dorothy; his children, Bob Jr. (Kathy), Lynn (Paul), Tom (Carri), Lori, Steve (Stefanie), and Lisa (Kevin); 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, and dear friends.

A memorial visitation will be held for Bob from 9-10 AM on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at Wichmann-Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee St, Menasha, WI 54952 with a memorial service to follow at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established for the local Christian and veteran charities that Bob was passionate about. Please consider making a donation to that fund.

Bob’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Prairie Home Assisted Living in Menasha, and the physicians, nurses, and other staff at St. Croix Hospice and Bluestone Physician Services for all their care, compassion, and expertise during his times of need.

Thank you to all of the friends and neighbors that were there through the years with dad, making his life as good as life can be.

2 Timothy 4:2

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.”