Robert "Bob" Hamilton Harper

Robert Harper peacefully entered his eternal home, the church triumphant, on May 17, 2015, at the age of 76, from challenges associated with an inoperable craniopharyngioma brain tumor discovered 1 year ago. Throughout the entire journey, he remained incredibly positive and upbeat, trusting that all would work out according to God's plan and glory. He was born January 4, 1939, in Washington D.C.; graduated from Anacostia High School (Washington D.C.), Waukesha County Technical Institute (Waukesha, WI) and Milton College (Milton, WI). He served 3 years in the U.S. Navy. He served in law enforcement for approximately 35 years, initially with the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Force, then The White House Police Force (serving the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations), then 30 years with the City of Waukesha Police Department. He worked many security details at local businesses, schools and events. He was a long time member of St. Mark's Ev. Lutheran Church in Waukesha. His interests included participation in and support of various groups, such as the Waukesha YMCA; The Great Lake A's (Ford Model A group); The Waukesha Civil War Round Table; Crime Stoppers of Waukesha County; The BloodCenter of Wisconsin (he donated over 200 pints of blood during the course of his lifetime). He loved U.S. history, reading about and collecting historical items of interest. He enjoyed attending all sporting events, especially on the local high school scene. He lived by simple credos - continuously strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ; work incredibly hard and smart; stay positive; value education, both in the classroom and on the street; be active; travel and see the sights; help and serve others. He truly enjoyed and relished conversation and greeted everyone he met with energy and enthusiasm. He was incredibly proud of his children and his grandchildren and loved the City of Waukesha and its people. He is survived by his children, Dale (Rhonda) Harper of Pewaukee; John (Kris) Harper of Nashotah; and Amy (Michael) Johnson of Waukesha, and his grandchildren, Emily, Peyton, Caitlyn, Carly and Alaina. He is further survived by his sister, Marianne Toms of Goshen, NY and her children, Tracy and Jeb (Camille) and their families; his aunt, Jean Gifford and his uncle, William Gifford, both of Edgewater, MD; a nephew, Jeff Buechler of Nashua, NH, nieces Carrie (Carl) Sowers of New Ulm, MN and Anne (Terry) Johnson of Windham, NH and their families, including their father, David Buechler, of Manchester, NH; his first wife, Nadine Buechler of Waukesha, who contributed faithfully to his care throughout this journey; his second wife, Valery Harper of Waukesha and her family, especially granddaughter Samantha; and by a very dear and loyal friend, Darlene Wright, who stayed steadfast by his side the entire time. The Harper family would like to thank the numerous health care professionals that tended to our Dad over the course of the past year, including Froedtert Hospital; ProHealth Care; Waukesha Memorial Hospital; LifeCare Hospital-Pewaukee; Linden Court (Waukesha); Linden Grove (Waukesha); Lake Country Health and Rehabilitation Center (Oconomowoc); and AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc. A visitation for Bob will be held from 10am until 12 Noon, followed by a 12 Noon funeral service on Tuesday, May 26th at St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 424 Hyde Park Ave., Waukesha. Interment with full military honors at Prairie Home Cemetery, following the service. Memorials are appreciated to St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church or any of the non-profit groups listed above that Bob supported and enjoyed. Psalm 37:5 - Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He will bring it to pass.