Robert Jacob Belkola

May 22, 1940 - April 20, 2016

RACINE - Robert Jacob Belkola, age 75, of Racine died unexpectedly on April 20, 2016. He was born in Atlantic Mine, MI on May 22, 1940 to the late Jacob and Helen (nee Lamphear) Belkola. Robert proudly served his country in the U.S. Army for 6 years. After his service, he became a machine operator at Western Publishing for 35 years, retiring in 1999. Robert had a passion for cars. Robert also was an avid gardener. He took much pride in his gardens and his face would light up with joy when people would comment on their beauty. In his younger years, he played softball. He also loved summer trips to his home state of Michigan. Robert spent many Sundays with family cheering on his Packers. He was a member of Evangelical United Methodist Church. Robert will be remembered as a kind man who touched many lives. He was a devoted husband, married to the love of his life, Joyce, for 51 years, and was always there for his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. Robert is survived by his wife, Joyce (nee Hanke); son, Brett (Becky) Belkola; daughter, Jill (Jon) Strecker; grandchildren: Jacob Belkola, Emma Peterson, Brooke Strecker, and Rylee Strecker; sister, Rose Marie Taavola; sisters-in-law: Judy (Dennis) Edwardsen and Rebecca Rice; brothers-in-law, Gary (Judi) Hanke and Mark(Ellaine) Hanke, and many other friends and relatives. Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Norman and Florence Hanke; brothers-in-law: James Taavola, Michael Rice, Ronald Hanke, and William Hanke. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Wilson Funeral Home at 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to meet at the Wilson Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Inurnment will take place at Southeastern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery at the convenience of the family.