Robert L. VanBuskirk, 85, of Burlington, passed away peacefully to eternal life on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023 at his home.
Bob was born March 5, 1938, in Burlington to the late Henry and Velaska (nee Bender) VanBuskirk. He married the late Arlene (nee York) Jacobson on Sept. 12, 1981.
Bob grew up in the Wisconsin Dells and left school in the eighth grade to help his mother run their family farm when his father died. When he wasn’t working on the farm, he went to a local auto body shop where he learned his mechanical skills. He moved to Springfield when he was 16 and spent time building mini bikes, go-carts, and dune buggies. He rebuilt used car engines and repaired many family members’ vehicles. He spent most of his career as a foreman in the manufacturing industry.
Bob enjoyed traveling with Arlene and spending their many years camping in the Wisconsin Dells along with hosting family at the campground. He loved his two late Dachshunds, Dominick and D.J. He adopted his new companion Frankie from the Lakeland Animal Shelter. Bob was known for his giving heart and assisted neighbors in lawn mowing and snow plowing. He was a volunteer member of the Lyons Fire Department and served as a treasurer. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Lake Geneva.
Bob is survived by his children James (Ethel) VanBuskirk of Tuttle, Oklahoma, Barb (Mark) VanDelaarschot of Green Bay, Noreen (Ron) Sheen of Trevor, Cheryl (David) Sullivan of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Ray Jacobson of Lake Geneva, Robin (Roger) Pugh of Mukwonago, and David (Lori) Jacobson of Lake Geneva; grandchildren Ronnie, Nicole, Lucas, James, Michael, Thomas, Steven, Kelsey, Tracy, Jennifer, Robert, Kyle, Ryan, Jon, Connor, Zack, Luke, Shelby, and Lance; and great-grandchildren Ellie, Lilith, Kyle, Brett, Paige, Jay, Josie, Tristan, Leo, Alex, Molly, Max, Warren, Reagan, and Louise.
He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, sisters Evelyn Moore and Lois McCutchin, brother Paul Whitmer, son Robert H. VanBuskirk, and granddaughter Adriana Parker.
A celebration of his life will be held at Lazarczyk Family Funeral Home, 515 Center Street, Lake Geneva, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 from 11 a.m. until time of services at 1 p.m. Private burial will follow at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lake Geneva where he will be laid to rest next to his wife.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lakeland Animal Shelter in Delavan or to Aurora Health and Home Hospice Care.
For on-line condolences please visit www.lffh.net.
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