Robert L. Roberson

Robert Lewis Roberson was born on February 20, 1936 at Milwaukee County hospital in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, and passed away peacefully at his home in Brown Deer, Wisconsin on August 15, 2024. He was the beloved son of Eva Mae, Bishop and Elgin Roberson, and “forever brother” of family friend Daniel Kleckley, who lived with their family since childhood.

Robert, known affectionately as Bobby, attended Fourth Street Elementary school, Roosevelt Junior High School, and graduated from North Division High School in January 1955. He met the love of his life, Patricia Juanita Flowers, at a roller rink in Milwaukee, and they were married in March 1955. Bobby is survived by his wife Pat six children–Daniel Lloyd, Robert Donald, Michael Owen, Eric Elgin, Theresa Diane, and Mark Joseph–his 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and two bonus sons, Vandy Mims, and Keith Crawley.

Bobby trained in blueprint and pattern making at Milwaukee Area Technical College, and his work life reflected his myriad interests and skills. Starting as a valet at Chalet on the Lake, later working at Hotpoint Corporation and the Harnischfeger Corporation until 1985, Bobby became a property owner and manager until health issues made it difficult for him to continue. An avid collector and tinkerer with countless “Do-It-Yourself” skills and talents, Bobby always had the right tool for the job; he never returned from a trip to the basement or the garage empty handed…and usually came back with exactly what you needed. Bobby was endlessly generous, and unfailing in his willingness to lend a hand in service to his friends and family.

Hosting and social events featured prominently throughout Bobby’s life; in his youth as a Cub Scout leader at Saint Francis school, helping with events organized by the Ys Men’s club of the North Central YMCA, and a former member of the Walnut Street Social Gathering Club. Bobby was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and swimming, and he took great pride in maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces for hosting and entertaining. He built his own barbecue pit and often smoked whole turkeys that he’d give to friends for special occasions. In their 69 years of marriage, Bobby and Pat kept their home filled with generations of friends and family, their gatherings brought love and laughter ringing in every room, spilling out late into the night. Robert adored his family, and spending time with his grandchildren was his greatest joy.

Bobby’s warmth and charisma made him rich in many things, especially lifelong friendships. The Roberson family is especially grateful for Ann and Willie Alexander. Since Willie and Bobby’s meeting in grade school, and Ann and Pat’s in junior high, the Alexanders have been an integral part of the family. Whether through shared family vacations over the years, and shared memories over popcorn and soda at the kitchen table, their steadfast support and love has been an invaluable gift.

Bobby’s contagious laughter, kind spirit and zest for life kept all who loved him around his kitchen table to the end of his earthly days. He will be missed by countless friends and family, most of all his devoted wife, whose care in his later years is a testament to their extraordinary love. His legacy will continue to resonate, in the hearts of all who knew him.

Visitation to be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Krause Funeral Home, 7001 West Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Memorial Service to follow.

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