Robert Barske, of Antigo, passed away peacefully, Friday, August 23, 2019. He gave up his long battle with Parkinson’s at home under the care of his wife Theresa and LeRoyer Hospice, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born July 3, 1934, the youngest of 4 children, to parents William and Nelly (Spigelski) Barske who moved to Antigo from Iowa to buy a fox farm. They operated the farm eventually turning it into a dairy, where Bob grew up and lived all his 85 years.

When Bob was just 19, his father died leaving him to run the farm for his mother. In 1956, he married Theresa Prasalowicz of Ackley and the two of them farmed together from then on, also starting and operating Elm Haven retirement home for many years on Elm Street.

Bob graduated from Antigo High School, class of 1953. He enjoyed basketball, baseball, and always the many horses that he raised along with his dairy cattle. He was part of Triple R, and enjoyed horse racing at the Langlade Fairgrounds and working as a farrier, shoeing and trimming horses for many years. He enjoyed hunting and his trips out west hunting with family and friends. Bob loved a good joke, teasing the kids and giving them “whisker rubs”.

Bob was a member of the Antigo Seventh Day Adventist Church. He took pride in working with other good friends in helping to construct the new church building on the corner of 3rd and Hogan, where he served for many years.

Bob battled with illness much of his adult life, nearly dying different times,but due to the care of his devoted wife and by the grace of God, he lived a long full life. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William, and wife, Delores; sister, Ramona Eswein, and husband, Robert; brother-in-law, Arthur Luttig; and several other sisters & brothers-in-law. His sister, Lola Luttig of Richland Center, survives.

Robert and Theresa had 14 children (8 daughters, 6 sons) all who survive along with their spouses and many kids. We are overwhelmed by God’s blessings!1.oldest daughter Lisa (Dave) Slattery of Deerbrook and their kids Brenda (Lance) Bricko, Carol (Paul) Tonie & Adam (Melissa) 2.daughter Lila (Mike) Bares of Fargo, ND, and their kids Michelle (Alec) Kores, Eric, & Ryan 3.oldest son Loren (Diane Gallenberg) Barske of Antigo and their kids Jennifer (Derek) Kolpack & Emily (Josh) Warren 4. daughter Linda (Mark) Williamson of Antigo and their kids Holly & Mark Jr. 5. son Leonard (Julie Schmit) Barske of Madison and their kids Elizabeth, Jack, & Luke 6. daughter LeeAnn (Duane) Haakenson of Antigo and their kids Brittany, Brook, & Brett 7. daughter Lana (David) Hickman of Antigo and their kids Justin & Tyler. 8. son Leslie (Luanne Schroepfer) Barske of Antigo and their kids Levi, Ashton, & Olivia. 9. daughter Lois (Mark) Fick of Antigo and their kids Dustin (Christine), Kalie, & Westley (Suzy) 10. son Lynn Barske of Canon City, CO, and his kid Skielur 11. son Lon (Cindy Carlson) Barske of Antigo and their kids Michael (Jenna), Jacob, April, & Matthew 12. son Lance Barske of Antigo 13. daughter Leah Barske of Antigo 14. daughter Lydia (Brian) Engen of Antigo and their kids Marshal & Elsa.

Bob was very proud of his children, their accomplishments, and his grandchildren.

He also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Joyce Prasalowicz, and Janet (Raymond) Heckert; nephews, Kim Riley, Arthur Luttig, Tom, Phil, Greg, and Donald Barske; and nieces, Kerry Weber, Pamela King; nine great-grandkids; and many more wonderful relatives, church family, and friends.

Bob and Theresa are very thankful for the help and support of his family, along with the lovely people from LeRoyer Hospice. Special thanks to Nurse Sue who came at the end to be with us, when Bob fell asleep. And thanks to Pastor Tom for his support and performing Bob’s funeral service.

Please join us at the Antigo Seventh Day Adventist Church, located at 1515 3rd Ave, to celebrate Bob’s life and life to come. Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 30th, 4-8 PM, and Saturday, Aug. 31th, 3-5 PM, funeral service will follow at 5 PM.