A much-loved brother, father and 'Umpa,' Bob Diedrich died at his home in Franklin, Wis., on Jan. 1, 2024. He was 81.

Born in Milwaukee on May 12, 1942, Bob was the third of six children. The family moved to Pittsburgh before settling on 20 acres on Ryan Road in the southwest corner of Milwaukee County in the early 1950s, in what would become the city of Franklin.

The family raised chickens, rabbits and crops on the hobby farm worked by Bob and his siblings. When the work was done, Bob would steal away to go pheasant hunting with his brother or a friend and their dogs in the woods near the house.

Bob graduated from Pius High School in 1960 and Marquette University four years later. He was a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity, and president of Varsity Varieties, a popular talent show on campus. He was popular and known, among other things, for throwing the best parties at the Ryan Road house, what would become known as 'the farm.'

He married Joan Maloney in 1965. The couple settled in Wauwatosa and had three children. Bob worked for Johns-Manville and other construction companies, contributing to major projects in the area, including Alpine Valley Music Theater in East Troy.

Throughout his life, Bob was an accomplished fishermen. In his 30s, he became especially enamored with musky fishing in Wisconsin's Vilas County, where he would vacation with his family. He passed on his passion for hunting musky to his children and grandchildren. He also was a skilled Sheepshead player, teaching the revered card game to his children and grandchildren.

In the 1980s, Bob returned to his boyhood home in Franklin to care for his father, step-mother and his younger brother, Davey, who has special needs. After his father died, Bob continued to care for Davey for the next nearly 40 years. He also worked as a part-time baker, hobby farmer and fishing lure salesman.

Bob loved music, a warm pair of slippers and a good cookie (he made the best), but most of all he loved a good chat with friends – or people who would soon become friends. He adored being 'Umpa,' to his eight grandchildren.

In recent years, as his body failed, Bob's faith in God grew. He died suddenly on the morning of New Years Day, falling as he got out of his bed and straight into the arms of Jesus.

Bob is survived his daughter Heidi (Kevin) Umeh; sons, Daniel (Karen) Diedrich and John (Raquel) Diedrich; beloved grandchildren, Elizabeth (Ryan) Condon, and Joseph, Andrew and Margaret Diedrich; Robert Claud and Daniel Diedrich; and Oskar and Cyrus Umeh; adored great-grandchildren, Danny and William Condon; brother, Davey, and sister, Ellen (Kathleen Bett) Diedrich. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Johnny and Bill, and sister, Jane.

A celebration of Bob's life will be Jan. 25. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. at Hartson Funeral Home in Hales Corners, followed by a service at 4:00 p.m.