Robert Edward Villa

Robert E. Villa, Sr. passed away peacefully on June 17, 2024, at the age of 89. Born in Cudahy, WI on August 21, 1934, to parents Joseph and Martha Villa (nee Miller). Robert attended elementary school in Greendale, WI and Sturgeon Bay, WI. During his time in Sturgeon Bay, he lived and worked on his uncle’s dairy farm. Robert graduated from West Allis Central High School, Class of 1952, and Marquette University with a degree in Engineering. He was a member of the ROTC program in college and spent three years in Active Duty, followed by Reserve Duty, for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. He received a Honorable Discharge from the military in 1968. Robert worked for T.V. John & Son, Inc. in Elm Grove for a decade before starting his own business Villa & Associates. That company was involved in many building and structural engineering projects throughout the Midwest. Upon his retirement he and his wife, Bonnie, enjoyed living in Nevada. A few years later he was called back in to employment and oversaw the construction of several high schools in Reno, NV and building management for Rubbermaid-Newell in Sturgis, MI and High Point, NC. He and his wife retired a second time to Reno, NV. In 2017, Robert returned to Waukesha permanently to spend time with his family.

Robert liked to play Cribbage, Sheepshead, and Blackjack and was an avid Packers & Brewers fan. Robert loved being around people and was active in the Waukesha Elk’s BPOE Lodge #400 also serving as an Exalted Ruler, the Optimist Club, and various engineering societies. Some of his favorite foods were raspberries, fruit cake, sauerkraut, creamed herring, along with a vodka martini garnished with a pickled mushroom. Family and friends will miss Robert’s quick wit, colorful descriptive language, and his generosity.

Robert is going to be deeply missed by his children: Kay (Stephen Soileau) Villa, Randy Villa, Joel Villa, Karrie (Tim) Hendrickson, and Robert (Shari) Villa, Jr.; grandchildren: Mason (Chelsea) Cannon, Makenna (John) Sutich, Braeden (Jordan) Cannon, and Alayna Villa; great-grandchildren: Wells, and Wynn Cannon.

Robert is preceded in death by wives: Lucy Villa (nee Frizzell), Ruth Sue Villa (nee Wilson), and Bonnie Villa (nee Stefan); parents: Joseph and Martha; brothers: Thomas and Alan.

The visitation for Robert is scheduled on Monday, July 15 from 9:00 am until the start of services at 10:30 am at Galilee Lutheran Church at N24W26430 Crestview Dr. Pewaukee WI. A private family burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Robert's name can be made to: Waukesha Engineering Scholarship Fund, W233 N2080 Ridgeview Parkway, Waukesha WI 53188; or the Elks National Foundation, Inc. 2750 N. Lakeview Ave. Chicago Il, 60614-2256 https://secure.elks.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2420&2420.donation=form1&mfc_pref=T ; or Angels Grace Hospice Endowed Fund, N47W35908 Servants Way, Oconomowoc, WI 53066 https://www.prohealthcare.org/ways-to-give/donate/give-online/ .

The family wishes to acknowledge and give thanks to all Robert's doctors and to Angels Grace Hospice for comforting Robert and us during his final days. The family would also like to give a special thanks to Shari Villa and Brenda Ensley for your love and support of Dad through his difficult journey.