Robert DeZwarte, age 88, of Plymouth, WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday (January 20, 2022) at the Sharon
S. Richardson Community Hospice in Sheboygan Falls.
He was born on January 5, 1934 in Plymouth, WI, a son of the late Grant and Evelyn (Mulder) DeZwarte.
Robert attended Plymouth Schools. On June 5, 1954, he married Ellena Mentink and together they had six
children, Robin, Denise, Van, Michelle, Holly, and Natalie. His wife preceded him in death on December 3, 1982.
He served in the United States Army National Guard. Robert was active duty from 1961-1963 and served in the
Army National Reserves from 1963-1984, serving a total of 23 year, retiring as Staff Sergeant.
Robert worked for his father’s moving business, the City of Plymouth, driving Plymouth school bus, Richardson
Brothers, and retired from Kohler Company after 17 years driving truck. He also worked part time as Deputy Sheriff
for Elkhart Lake Police Department.
On August 8, 1986, he married Bernette Blanke-Theobald. She preceded him in death on March 30, 2021.
He served on the Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department for 31 years and was a member of the Greenbush American
Legion Post #261. Robert was one of the founders of the Plymouth Gun Club and later joined the Sheboygan Falls
Conservation Club and Kohler Rifle and Pistol Club. He was also on the State National Guard Trap Team.
Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, collecting guns, trap shooting, traveling, playing cribbage, watching
baseball and the Green Bay Packers, going on cruise ships, and most importantly spending time and attending his
children’s and grandchildren’s events.
Survivors include his five children, Robin (Kevin) Updegrove, Denise (Eric) Amweg, Van (Jenny) DeZwarte, Holly
DeZwarte (Steve Musial), and Natalie (Michael) Pelot; son-in-law. Robert Paul; three step-children, Diane (Tad)
Goedeke, Julie (Mike) Frier, Debra (Mark) Meyer; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren;
3 step-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Joyce Kraemer, Jean Slater, and Sharon (Lyle) Zimmermann; and sister-in-
law, Donna (Rick) Forester.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Paul and two brothers-in-law, Ken Slater and Robert Kraemer.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday (January 25, 2022) at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth from 1:00 PM – 4:00
PM, with a funeral service to follow at 4:00 PM. Rev. RaeAnn Beebe, Pastor of Saron UCC, will officiate. Services
will be live streamed and available to watch on the Suchon Funeral Home Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/SuchonFuneral. Burial will be at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Plymouth.
Military Rites will be accorded by the Greenbush American Legion Post #261 immediately following the Service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Robert’s name.
The Suchon Funeral Home is assisting the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff of Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice, Dr. Barnes
and his PA Doris Thuene for all the care and compassion given to Robert.
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