Robert Harry Faltz

On Saturday, February 25th 2023, Bob Faltz, loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 93 at his home in Thiensville, WI. Bob was born on August 18th, 1929, to Dora (Huebner) and Walter Faltz.

He grew up in Milwaukee and the loss of his father at a young age encouraged a close relationship with his grandfather Albert Faltz. He encouraged Bob's playful side. Bob attended Twentieth Street School in Milwaukee, and joined the Marines eight days into his 17th year. He served in the United States Marine Corps for two years and was always proud to be a Marine and thankful for all they taught him. After his honorable discharge from the Marines, Bob enrolled in a plumbing apprenticeship with sponsorship of his then-stepfather, Emil Kubis. As he was completing his apprenticeship, Bob, with his sense of humor, charm, shy smile, and striking blue eyes, connected with the beautiful love of his life, Frances (Fran) Schittone at the Eagles Ballroom in Milwaukee. They married on June 2, 1951. They soon purchased and went on to enjoy sixty years of marriage, and life, in their home in St. Francis.

During his life, Bob worked in construction as a plumber and plumbing foreman in the Milwaukee area until his retirement in 1989, at age sixty. He especially enjoyed working with new apprentices and guiding them into their career. He was a proud and active member of Plumbers Local 75. Fran preceded Bob in death in 2012 in what he called the “end of their love story,” and what a love story it was! In life, they created a wonderful home for their three daughters and their families. Bob will be greatly missed by their daughters: Dr. Christine Faltz, Joanne Faltz-Bailey (David), and Gina (Faltz) Bailey (Mark). Bob was an engaged dad with his three daughters at a time when that wasn’t always common in society. He shared with them his love of poetry and the importance of taking care of others. As parents, Bob and Fran encouraged laughter, education, continual learning, family time, enjoyment of travel, and everyday life adventures. The family enjoyed many fun trips to their cottage in Phelps, WI, for fishing, playing cribbage, and singing around the campfire. In retirement, Bob enjoyed cooking, gardening, his patio and pond, painting small replica scenes, geneology, and traveling with Fran and their dear friends. Bob has greatly impacted the next generation in his grandchildren: Seth Bailey (Tami Herchmer), Hannah Bailey (Rahul Ramachandran), Claire Bailey, and Isaac (Claire) Bailey-Marren. As a grandfather, he taught them the important skills of singing Goober Peas, playing bar dice, feeding peanuts to chipmunks, and mixing cocktails at the basement bar (as long as the caps stayed on the bottles). He is also survived by a great-grandson, Weston Bailey, and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dora and Walter Faltz; step-fathers, Emil Kubis and Carl Rausch; siblings, Mary “Meka” (John) Wessinger, and Marvin (Mavis) Faltz. Bob has enjoyed many laughs with family, friends and co-workers in his life. His gentle ways, playful grin, and kindness will be missed in this world. In the last year, Bob joined the community at Willowbrook Place in Thiensville. The caregivers and staff have welcomed Bob and been so kind and caring with him. We are very thankful to each of them for their friendship, dedication, stopping in just to say hello, and taking time to enjoy the ducks with Dad. In the end, Bob made the decision that it was time to move on to whatever lies ahead. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but it was time to “saddle up” and go. We are thankful to his nurses from St. Croix Hospice for their care and compassion for him in his final days. The family will have private interment services at a later date. To honor Bob, raise a toast with your favorite beverage and, as Bob would always say, “Be good.” In lieu of remembrance gifts, Bob would want you to honor the people around you and think of him with a smile.