On Thursday, March 4, 2021, Robert Ervin Junker, loving husband to Alma (Holzwart) and father
of two children, passed away at the age of 99. Robert was born December 25, 1921 in
Sheboygan, Wisconsin to Norbert & Alvina Junker. He graduated from Central High School in
1940. Upon graduation, Bob went to work for Wigwam Mills for a year before joining the US
Army. Bob was stationed in New Guinea for two and half years in the Signal Core and
specialized in teletype communications. Upon his return to Sheboygan, Bob resumed work at
Wigwam as a mechanic and retired after 42 years as manager of knitting headwear. After
retiring, Bob looked forward to taking part in company socials and engage with old coworkers
who’d become close friends. Many hours were spent at McDonalds over coffee with that crew.
Bob met his wife Alma on a blind date, and they married in Nov. 1949. They raised two children
Daniel and Robalee at their home on N. 7th Street. He enjoyed many hobbies. He parlayed his
skill of knitting and sewing machines into a repair business, repairing sewing machines for a
number of businesses in the area. Photography was a love as he spent hours in his darkroom
developing pictures taken of family, friends, local landscapes, and Lake Michigan. Friends and
family looked forward to his handmade photo holiday cards combining his skill at linoleum
block cutting and photography. He enjoyed woodworking and built furniture, picture frames,
and was able to refinish or repair most anything. Archery was also a favorite pastime, and he
became skilled at making his own bows and arrows. Bob was a member of Evangelical Free
Church with Alma; he volunteered as an usher and regularly attended social events there.
Those who knew Bob best knew he could usually be found at any family picnic or local event
working the grill; grilling brats or chicken to perfection. No matter where Bob lived before or
after, their home on 7th Street of over 50 years was his favorite place. He will be missed by his
family and friends, and those who shared his love and humor these last few years at
Morningside Health Center.
Bob was preceded in his death by his parents Norbert and Alvina, and his wife Alma. He is
survived by his son, Daniel (Sheboygan), his daughter, Robalee (Russell) Bruesewitz (Pittsburgh),
daughter-in-law Janet Junker, his grandchildren Carrie, Ian, Allison (Sheboygan), Erin, Margo,
and Hannah (Pittsburgh), and also his seven great-grandchildren.
A special thanks goes to the staff at Morningside for their caring and compassionate care.
Because of the current COVID restrictions, a private burial service will be held for the
immediate family. A memorial event will be scheduled in the future.
To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.ballhornchapels.com
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