Robert H. Wanta

Robert "Bob" Wanta, 87, of Naples, Florida, passed peacefully to eternal life with his family by his side on May 18, 2022.

Born in Stevens Point, Wisconsin on August 24, 1934, Bob's love of the outdoors and playful pranks started young. Following high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during the Korean War. Bob was always incredibly proud to have served his country and valued hard work and sacrifice. After his service abroad, Bob moved to Milwaukee and soon met, courted, and married the love of his life and best friend, Betty. During their 62 years of marriage, they grew their love, life, and family. Together, they were blessed with four children: Deb, Don, David, and Dan. Bob and Betty retired to Naples, Florida, where he enjoyed golfing and flourished with the camaraderie of many friends.

Bob was a devoted and generous Catholic father and husband and was happiest when he was praying for and serving others and spending time with his family, whether in church activities, coaching, or scouting. He experienced twice as much life by working nights and spending days volunteering for the kids' many activities, playing with his family, hunting, fishing, camping, taking frequent family trips to "the farm”, and fixing and improving any and all things at home. He was a true Renaissance man - someone who appreciated life and exemplified kindness and service.

He is survived by a loving family: his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" (Pavelski); his children and their spouses: Deb (Wanta) and Greg Lessmeier, David and Julie (Krause) Wanta, and Dan and Deb (Haden) Wanta; his loving grandchildren: Matt, Katie, Andy, Shelley, Janelle and Martí, Eric, Fr. Michael, and Marcianna; and his sisters: Bernie Firkus, Theresa Nolan, and Rita Leary.

He is preceded in death by his son, Don; his parents, Frank and Pauline (Lila) Wanta; his brothers, Hub and Max; and his sister, Mary Jane Shafranski.

Bob had an extra special place in his heart for children without enough food to eat. He mentioned many times that instead of flowers, he preferred that you consider a donation to help feed hungry children. The family requests you consider donating to St. William Conference of St. Vincent de Paul, Naples, FL (www.saintwilliam.org/st--vincent-depaul) or No Kid Hungry (www.nokidhungry.org) or the Don Wanta Scholarship Fund at Marquette University High School (https://www.muhs.edu/support-muhs/give-now).  Or you may wish to have a Mass offered for the repose of Bob's soul.

A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31 until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Hubertus, WI. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Mequon, WI.  Many know the special hand the Blessed Mother Mary had is Bob's life and it is so fitting that these services fall on the Marian Feast, The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We mention this to honor Mary and Bob's devotion to her. 

A  memorial mass will be celebrated Monday, July 18, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St William Catholic Church, 601 Seagate Drive, Naples.

Fuller Funeral Home of Naples, FL and Zwaska Funeral Home of Brown Deer, WI are assisting the family with arrangements.