Robert V. Blake
Robert V. Blake, age 84, of rural Poy Sippi, died peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2015 at Juliette Manor in Berlin.
He was born October 13, 1930 in Portage, WI, the son of William and Jeanette Von Berg Blake. Bob was a 1948 graduate of Wausau High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from UW-Madison in 1952. Upon his graduation, Bob worked on several large farms with beef cattle, showing at state competitions where he met his future wife, Ina Butland.
Upon their marriage on June 15, 1957, they settled on a farm in the Pine River area. This is where he spent the rest of his life, first raising beef cattle until eventually changing over to a dairy farm. Bob was very active in 4-H, serving as a leader for many years and helping his boys with their 4-H animal projects.
When Bob retired, he still enjoyed helping his son, Jon, on his farm and took great interest in helping with his grandchildren’s interest in farming and showing at the Waushara County Fair, where he supported the market animal sale by purchasing animals for a number of years. To the kids in the local 4-H, he was known as “Grandpa Bob”.
Bob’s other interests included gardening, raising chickens and studying the Civil War. He was an active member of the Berlin and Waushara Historical Societies, and Poy Sippi United Methodist Church. For years, Bob’s fireworks shows at his cottage for family and friends were the talk of the neighborhood. But most of all, everyone who knew him will remember his hearty laugh that could light up a room.
He is survived by two sons, Jonathan (Nancy) Blake and David (Karrie) Blake; and six grandchildren, Alex, Anna, Amy, Ian, Shilo and Kennedy. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Ina, on January 24, 2005; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. at Poy Sippi United Methodist Church, the Rev. George Groves officiating. Interment will be in Poy Sippi Cemetery. Friends and relatives may call on Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established. Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbola Funeral Chapel of Berlin. Online condolences may be sent to the family at barbolafc@yahoo.com.