obit-thumbnail gallery-image

Robert “Bob” G. Wirth

July 29, 1934 - November 27, 2025
Visitation
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church
N59 W22476 Silver Spring Drive
Sussex, Wisconsin 53089
Wednesday 12/10, 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Service
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church
N59 W22476 Silver Spring Drive
Sussex, Wisconsin 53089
Wednesday 12/10, 11:00 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Richfield Historical Society, Mt. Horeb Historical Society, Habitat for Humanity, or the American Cancer Society. 

Robert “Bob” Wirth 

July 29, 1934 – November 27, 2025 

Robert “Bob” Wirth of Colgate, WI, entered eternal life on November 27, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born in Milwaukee on July 29, 1934, to George and Olive (née Bang) Wirth. 

Bob was the beloved husband of Alice (née Beier) Wirth for 69 years, devoted father to Lynne (J. Michael Shinners) and Tod (Sharon), and cherished brother of Charles and Susan (Jon Powers). He was a proud grandfather to Matthew and Joseph (Alison) Shinners, Stacy (Nathan) Harris, and Kristie Wirth, and a loving great-grandfather to Adalyn and Emmett Harris. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, and is survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. 

Education and Career                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Bob graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1952, where he met Alice, his eventual wife. He went on to earn a degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois in 1957 and briefly served with the Army Corps of Engineers in Northern Virginia. Returning to Milwaukee, he began his architectural career, first with local firms before co-founding Blake-Wirth Associates and later Torke-Wirth-Pujara. He practiced there for decades until retiring in the early 2000s. His work left a lasting mark on Southeastern Wisconsin, with notable projects including the unique triangular Security Savings Bank buildings, Krause Funeral Home, and extensive design work for SC Johnson in Racine and Harley-Davidson in Milwaukee. Perhaps his most personal masterpiece was the Colgate home he designed and built with Alice in 1964, featuring innovative passive solar elements. The home was later highlighted in the Milwaukee Journal. Even in retirement, Bob remained active in architecture, contributing to Habitat for Humanity projects and serving on the Richfield Planning Commission and Architectural Review Board, including a term as chairman. 

Passions and Hobbies                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Bob’s lifelong interests reflected his creativity and meticulous nature. He and his father shared a love of model trains, maintaining an extensive attic layout. His greatest passion, however, was for cars. Over the years, he built a remarkable collection of antique vehicles—including Model T’s, Model A’s, MG’s, Corvairs, and a Porsche—stored in his three garages. He restored many of them himself, including a 1928 Model A Ford, and even built a Model T Ford Omnibus from the ground up with his son, Tod. Bob was deeply involved in car clubs such as the Model T Ford Club of Milwaukee, Dairyland Tin Lizzies, Model A Club of Milwaukee, Milwaukee and Great Lakes MG Motorcar Group, and the AACA. He and Alice enjoyed countless tours and rallies, including National Model T Tours, the Freedom Road Rally, the Open Air Classic, and the Milwaukee Circus Parade. Their annual trips to Pennsylvania for the Hershey and Carlisle Swap Meets became a treasured tradition. His garages, meticulously organized, were even featured in the book Dream Garages. 

Travels and Interests                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Together, Bob and Alice traveled widely, exploring China, Africa, Mexico, Europe, and Russia. They especially cherished their journeys to Egypt, where they studied ancient art and architecture, and to the Yucatán jungles to admire Mayan ruins. Bob was also an avid sports fan. He and Alice held season tickets for Wisconsin Badger football, Milwaukee Admirals hockey, and enjoyed cheering for the Green Bay Packers and Wisconsin hockey teams. 

Gratitude and Services                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Aurora Medical Center and Froedtert Hospital for their kindness and compassion. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, beginning at 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church – N59 W22476 Silver Spring Drive in Sussex, WI, followed by a service at 11:00 AM.  There will be refreshments following the service in the Fellowship Hall. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Richfield Historical Society, Mt. Horeb Historical Society, Habitat for Humanity, or the American Cancer Society. 

candle-small flame
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services
candle-small flame
Michael and Lorraine Hartmann
candle-small flame
Tom & Lavetta Torke Light a candle
Light a Candle
Visitation
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church
N59 W22476 Silver Spring Drive
Sussex, Wisconsin 53089
Map
Wednesday 12/10, 9:30 am - 10:45 am
Service
Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church
N59 W22476 Silver Spring Drive
Sussex, Wisconsin 53089
Map
Wednesday 12/10, 11:00 am
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Richfield Historical Society, Mt. Horeb Historical Society, Habitat for Humanity, or the American Cancer Society. 

slide
slide
slide
slide

Robert “Bob” Wirth  July 29, 1934 – November 27, 2025  Robert “Bob” Wirth of Colgate, WI, entered eternal life on November 27, 2025, at the age of 91. He was born in Milwaukee on July 29, 1934, to George and Olive (née Bang) Wirth.  Bob was the beloved husband of Alice (née Beier) Wirth forContinue Reading

Watch Tribute
See Condolences
Michael and Lorraine Hartmann left a message on December 10, 2025:
Happy Trails, Bob. We have enjoyed many travels around the world with you and Alice. Eternal peace, Michael and Lorraine 🛐
Tom & Lavetta Torke left a message on December 9, 2025:
We were saddened to hear of Bob’s passing and send our condolences to Alice, Lynne and Todd and families. Tom and Bob share a long history of friendship and colleagueship and was a great partner. Tom is going to send a remembering message to the family. Again, our sincere condolences.
Jennifer Powers left a message on December 9, 2025:
Tod, Lynne & Aunt Alice, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always cherish memories of Uncle Bob. Visits to their house, seeing the cars, the snow and going to Norway on a family heritage trip.
attachment
Keith and Carol Gumbinger left a message on December 8, 2025:
Bob was a good friend with many interests. We connected through our common interest in Model T Fords and shared many good times. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Bob.
Dennis & Peggy Crull left a message on December 6, 2025:
Our deepest condolences to Alice and to Bob's wonderful family. Bob and Alice traveled the world on tours that we organized and personally led through our company Downtown Travel, which later became Cruise & Tour. It was always a joy having them with us. We could always count on Bob to share stories of their latest antique and classic car adventures. We knew that Bob and Alice would likely never be able to join us in the summer months because they were "fully booked" with car adventures. Bob told us more than once that our 2018 wildlife safari in Tanzania was one of their favorites. On that trip we visited an orphanage that we were supporting. He and Alice donated generously to the orphanage every year thereafter through Love Our Tanzania Family, our non-profit to benefit the orphanage. Rest in peace, Bob. If there is a classic car club in Heaven, we're sure you're already a member and probably have already chatted with Henry Ford.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dave and Heather left a message on December 5, 2025:
This is for you Bob. Enjoy the shade.
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Robert Wirth . Plant a Tree
Mary & Glen Senger left a message on December 5, 2025:
We fondly remember the many Christmas dinners at my parents home that we shared with Uncle Bob and Aunt Alice. Always great conversation and fun stories of their many adventures. His creativity was inspiring and his home reflected the openness in which he lived his life. He kindly offered assistance with a project in our home and we always enjoyed seeing him in the various parades with one of his extraordinary cars!
Anonymous left a message on December 5, 2025:
Our Deepest Sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Beautiful in Blue was purchased for the family of Robert Wirth by Anonymous. Send Flowers
Anonymous left a message on December 4, 2025:
A memorial tree was planted in memory of Robert Wirth . Plant a Tree
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
Show More