Robert (Bob) A. Popke, 92, sailed into the sunset from his life here on earth into his heavenly home Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Bob was born October 21, 1929, in Milwaukee, WI to the late Alex and Theresa (Wirkus) Popke and lived most of his life in metropolitan Milwaukee. He was a graduate of Boys Technical High School. Bob proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1949-1953 on the USS Albany CA-123 Heavy Cruiser, Atlantic Fleet during the Korean War. On May 28, 1966, Bob was united in marriage to Norma Becker.
Bob worked law enforcement 30 plus years spending the first half of his career as a police officer on the Milwaukee Police Department and the second half of his career with Milwaukee County Sheriffs Dept. retiring in 1991. Post retirement, Bob worked part time as a Compliance Investigator for the Wisconsin Dog Racing Commission and as a law courier for the law firm of Quarrles and Brady in Milwaukee, WI. Five years ago, Bob and Norma moved to Green Bay to be closer to their family.
Bob was an American Legion member, a charter member of the USS Albany Association, and the US Cruisers Association. He was a great sports fan of all sports and enjoyed card playing along with horseracing. Bob was a proud attendee of the “Ice Bowl” in 1967 and was an honored recipient of the Old Glory Honor Flight.
Robert will be sadly missed by his wife of 56 years Norma; daughter, Susan J. Popke; sister, Alvina Rytel; sister-in-law, Janet (Becker) Lucia and many other family and friends.
In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Alex Popke Jr.; father and mother-in-law, Leona, and Louis Becker; brothers-in-law, Walter Rytel, Carroll Lucia, Lawrence Becker; sister-in-law, Lydia Becker; nephew, Michael Rytel and niece, Margaret Dellis.
A graveside service and interment will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, at WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI at 9:00 a.m. with Pastor David Hatch officiating. Full military honors will be presented. Online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com.
The family extends their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staffs at Bellevue Retirement Community, Aurora Home Care Services, and Odd Fellows Home.
If you wish to make a family contribution or memorial donation the family asks that you donate to the USS Albany Association www.ussalbany.org in honor of Bob.