Robert Tiarks Sr.

Robert Tiarks, Sr., 85, passed away on February 27, 2026.

Born in Almond, Wisconsin on March 15th, 1940, to Edgar and Leila Tiarks. During his teenage years, he and his family moved from Almond to the Milwaukee area and eventually to Butler where Bob spent the majority of his life, the community he proudly called home. It was there that he built his life, raised his family, and devoted himself to serving others.

Bob joined the Army National Guard in 1958 and was proud to serve his Country during the Berlin Crisis.

On June 1st, 1963, he married the love of his life Patricia Fellin. Together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage together. They built a life centered on love, hard work, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family.

He was a proud father to Trish (Curtis) Johnson and Bob, Jr. (Beth) Tiarks. His greatest joy was being Papa to his seven grandchildren: Colin, Arie (Lisa), Breeanne (Elliott), Kailee (JD), Emma, Claire (Ryan), and Dylan; and Great-Papa to Talia. His love for them was steady, strong, and quietly constant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Leila; his sister, Gretchen; his cousin Onnie who was more like a brother to him, and his wife Nancy, and great-granddaughters, Leila and Charlotte, who we trust were all there to welcome him home along with his four-legged companion Babes.

Bob dedicated nearly 50 years of his career to Inland Detroit Diesel Allison, where his strong work ethics and mechanical skills were deeply respected. He also faithfully served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Butler Fire Department for close to 50 years and a member of the Butler Community Foundation — a true testament to his servant’s heart and commitment to others.

When he wasn’t working or serving, Bob could often be found in his garage tinkering with small engines, fixing what others couldn’t, or starting a project just to see if he could make it run better. He enjoyed playing sheepshead and cribbage, always ready for a good hand and a little friendly competition. Some of the sweetest memories will be of simple tractor rides — unhurried moments that felt like time stood still and the thought of him sitting in his lawn chair watching traffic go by with his wife at his side in the driveway of the house he was so proud of in the Community he loved.

He was steady, loyal, and dependable — a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His life was not loud, but it was deeply meaningful, built on commitment, service, and love.

He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Please join the family at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin, for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, with a service to follow at 12:00 PM, including military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bob’s name to Clarke House and the Friends of the Butler Library.