Robert A. “Bob” Dillenburg, age 87, of Shawano passed away peacefully on Saturday February 8, 2025, at The Cottages. Bob was born on October 1, 1937, in Shawano to the late Louis and Elizabeth “Bess” (Mazanec) Dillenburg. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and has been an active member of the church his whole life. Bob graduated from Shawano High School in 1955 and attended Michigan College of Mining and Technology in Houghton, Michigan. Throughout his life he had a variety of careers including working for the Shawano County Highway Department, owning and operating Dillenburg Vault Company and Dillenburg’s Bar and selling insurance. During retirement Bob enjoyed driving school bus for Antigo and Shawano Companies. He was the sexton for Sacred Heart Cemetery and Mausoleum for over 45 years; his final act of service in that role was the burial of his granddaughter, Emma Grace in 2013. Bob served on numerous local organizations including the Bishop Fox Council of the Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, Gresham Lions Club and the Thornton and Pickerel snowmobile clubs. He was a member of State of Wisconsin Association of Fairs, serving on the board for eight years and as Vice President for two years; Shawano County Agricultural Society serving as director for 25 years and President for three years. Bob proudly served on the Shawano County Fair Board for 25 years and even started the polka mass at the fair in 1975. This tradition continues with his family attending the polka mass every year. He enjoyed telling stories, sharing memories of Shawano County, listening to polka and watching RFD TV. Bob’s later years were spent cherishing time spent with his children and grandchildren; nothing brought him more joy. He will be dearly missed by all nine of his “favorite” children.

Bob is survived by his children, Anne Kamke, Sarah (Keith) Kohls, Margie (Scott) Pieper, Joe (Becca) Dillenburg, Libby Welhouse, Bob J. (Kate) Dillenburg, Jennifer Jurkiewicz, Kat (Brian) O’Connell and Andy (Brittney) Dillenburg; 21 grandchildren, Mike (Diana), Caroline, Tim, Griffen, Alex, Sofia, Niah, Rachel, Evan, Cora, Ryan, Amalia, Emmett, Josie, Lyla, Tommy, Eloise, Declan, Brynlee, Celeste, Charlie and granddaughter due in May; great-grandson, Deion; former wife, Mary; sister, Betty (Clyde) Ries; and nieces, Valerie (Tom) Kuntz and Kathleen Hinton. He is further survived by many other relatives and friends.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Bess; brother-in-law, Dallas Stroschein; nephew, Philip Stroschein; niece, Terri Stroschein; sons-in-law, Chad Welhouse, Mark Kamke and Joe Jurkiewicz; and grandchildren, Nicholas James Kohls and Emma Grace O’Connell.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday February 15, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawano with Fr. Edward Looney officiating. Per Bob’s wishes, his funeral service will include a polka mass. Visitation will be held on Friday February 14, 2025, at the church from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a parish wake at 7:00 pm. Visitation will resume on Saturday at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service. Burial will be at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established in Bob’s name.

Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.