Barbola Funeral Chapel

Robert J. "Bob" Chikowski

Robert James “Bob” Chikowski, age 73 of Berlin, died from Leukemia at his home on December 18, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.

Bob was born March 8, 1947, in Berlin, WI, the son of Donald and Lenora “Stacy” Chikowski. He attended Berlin Catholic School and was a 1965 graduate of Berlin High School. He went on to graduate from MATC in Milwaukee with an Associate Degree in Marketing and Sales. After graduation, Bob was hired by Hallmark Cards as the youngest greeting card sales representative for Hallmark. On February 28, 1970, he was united in marriage to Rochelle Joy “Shelly” Kahl at the United Methodist Church in Ripon. They were the first couple to have an ecumenical wedding in the church’s history. After living and working in Milwaukee for two years, Bob and Shelly relocated to Berlin.

In 1972, Bob began his long career in news print advertising, selling ads for the Berlin Shopping News. Three years later his career took him to the 5-County Shopper in Ripon. In 1992, Bob took a position with the Ripon Commonwealth Press/Express as their Advertising Manager. During his 22 years with the Express, Bob and staff won numerous advertising awards from the Wisconsin Advertising Publishers Association. One of his proudest achievements was being instrumental in the initiation of the Green Laker, a summer addition to the Express. He was very proud of that accomplishment. As many know, Bob was also the owner and operator of The Berlin Sign Shop. Over the past 50 years, Bob’s plastic signs and lettering have been visualized on vehicles and buildings throughout the community. He used to say ”if I can’t sell them an ad, maybe I can sell them a sign”!

Bob was a man of Faith and lived life to get the most enjoyment out of every day. He was a very loving guy who made all those who knew and loved him feel special in a way that was ever lasting. Bob was a long time member of All Saints Catholic Parish, serving on the church council and a church usher for many masses as well as funerals. He loved greeting and talking with folks, as we all well know! Bob’s storytelling along with his sense of humor was unmatched!

He was very active in the community serving as a past Commodore of Berlin Boat Club, past president of Berlin Jaycees, and served over 30 years as a Town Supervisor for Town of Berlin. Bob was an active member at Berlin Conservation Club. He and Shelly enjoyed trap shooting together, and he loved being the MC for many Conservation Club Banquets. He was also an active member of NRA, NWTF, and Walleyes for Tomorrow. Bob enjoyed many hunting trips out west and to Canada, but his real passion was boating and spending time on the Fox River and Green Lake with Shelly. Over the years they took numerous boating trips up and down the Mississippi River with other boating enthusiasts. Bob was known by his friends and family as always having a minimum of five different boats at all times and always told newlyweds, “Buy a boat, and your marriage will stay afloat”!

After retirement in 2012, he was always willing to volunteer his time for several local organizations. He especially enjoyed taking senior citizens for pontoon rides on the River, and helping young anglers learn to fish on the Fox River with his cousin Cow Pie. The highlight of everyday, Monday through Saturday from 9am-10am, Bob and his Uncle Sig could be found at McDonalds having coffee with old friends, telling the same stories more than once a week!!

Bob is survived by his wife, Shelly, of 50 joyful years; his son, Jay Chikowski (Teri Jacobs); three grandchildren, Jordon, Taylor and Jacob; uncle, “Sig” (Bernice) Chikowski; aunt, Angie Chikowski; and numerous cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his parents. He will be sadly missed by many.

The family would like to thank Dr. C. Batley, ThedaCare Medical Center-Berlin and especially Dr. Richard Warren and all the nurses and staff at the ThedaCare Oncology Infusion Therapy Department, ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center and ThedaCare at Home Hospice. Their extreme professionalism and sincere commitment to excellent patient care was greatly appreciated with much gratitude.

Public visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 22, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. Private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at All Saints Catholic Parish, Father David Greenfield officiating. Interment will be in St. Stanislaus Cemetery. A memorial has been established. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail card to Barbola Funeral Chapel, c/o Robert Chikowski, PO Box 201, Berlin, WI 54923.