Robert W. “Bob” Pietroske, age 82, of Manitowoc passed away Monday, April 28, 2025, at Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa with family by his side.
Bob was born on March 9, 1943, in Two Rivers, a son of the late Anton and Stella (Dawidowich) Pietroske Sr. He grew up on the family farm in the town of Two Rivers and was a 1961 graduate of Two Rivers Washington High School, he earned an associate degree in business administration from the Lakeshore Technical College. Bob married the former Elizabeth “Liz” Klatt on May 7, 1996 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brillion. She preceded him in death on November 4, 2016.
Bob began working for the Hamachek Co. in Manitowoc starting out on the wash rack washing cars, then onto selling tires, and later doing office work, which all led him to selling cars and ultimately became Sales Manager and General Manager of the automobile dealership. Ken Lewis “The Car King”, bought the Hamachek Co. and Bob continued to work with him until he bought his first General Motors dealership in Chilton. Nine months later, Bob sold the Chilton dealership and came back to Manitowoc buying out Ken Lewis. He later purchased the Two Rivers Auto Service where he bought the Pontiac franchise and later acquired the GMC franchise from General Motors. Bob built a new building at 4000 Grand Avenue in Manitowoc, followed by a GM dealership in Brillion and a used car dealership in Appleton. His final purchase was the Chevrolet dealership in Manitowoc, which gave him all the General Motors franchises. That was always his goal! He was awarded “Dealer of the Year” for the State of Wisconsin, and went on to finish in the top five of the nation. He was president of GMC Truck Professionals, Manitowoc New Car Dealers, Cadillac Professionals, WATDA, and vice president of Valley Area Buick Dealers.
Bob’s concern for the community was always his priority. He had been active in Jaycees, having organized seven chapters and having served as president of the Two Rivers Jaycees, executive vice president of Wisconsin Jaycees, director of the U.S. Jaycees, and president, vice president and secretary of J.C.I senators. Bob was a member of the Manitowoc Chamber of Commerce and served them as vice president and board member. In 2005, he was awarded the Joseph P. Schmitt Speak Up Award. He became a member of the TPA (Travelers Protective Association) Insurance and climbed the ranks of leadership to become the National President of TPA in 1994. Bob and his wife, Liz, funded seven scholarships for the deaf through the Travelers Protective Association. These were just some of his many accomplishments in life. He was a member of St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Parish in Two Rivers. His dedication to his faith, wife, family, and community resulted in a love that will forever outlast all the lives that he has touched.
Survivors include his siblings: Frank (Kathy) Pietroske, Two Rivers, Joe Pietroske, Wausaukee, Nancy Pietroske, Two Rivers; brother-in-law: Allen Jensen, Two Rivers; nieces and nephews: Steve Schmidtman (Peggy Ney), Scott Schmidtman, Susie (Brian) Bubolz, Sherrie (John) Boettcher, Tina Brouchoud (Jeremiah), Cory Jensen, Lisa (Chris) Born, Angela (George) Mueller, Anton “Butch” Pietroske III (Denise Sell), Mark (Dawn) Pietroske, Sandy (Mike) Hurst, Rick (Angie) Pietroske, Jodi Bergeron, Troy (Crystal) Pietroske, Christa (Jim) Steeber, Lori (Ryan) Gilbert, Vicki Pietroske (Andy Stefanek); great nieces and nephews: Megan, Sawyer, Shannon, Eric, Brett, Challise, Shelbie, Emerson, Aubrey, Cody, Christopher Jr., Brennan, Lincoln, McKinsely, Jonathan, Joshua, Luke, Kent, Adam, Amanda, Katelyn, Kyle, Alyssa, Jake, Austin, Isabella, Logan, Madeline, Addison, Brayson, Bennett, Brody, Stacy, Danny, Derrick, Dakota, Payton, Andy, Kylie and Walker; special friends: Lee (Joan) Davis, Dale Kocourek, Debra Kerr, Shirley Carriveau, Rev. William “Bill” O’Brien; other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Anton and Stella Pietroske Sr.; his wife: Elizabeth Pietroske; infant brother: Arthur; infant sister: Violet; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Harold and Sena Klatt; one brother and sister-in-law: Anton “Tony” (Donna) Pietroske Jr.; two sisters and brothers-in-law: Anna Mae (Norman) Schmidtman, Catherine “Kay” Jensen; an infant niece: Lisa Marie Pietroske; one nephew: David Jensen; one great-nephew: Dillon Mueller.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church, 3201 Mishicot Rd., Two Rivers. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. William O’Brien with burial to follow in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Two Rivers. Relatives and friends may call at the Klein and Stangel Funeral Home on Monday, May 5, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Parish Prayer Service to be held at 7:45 p.m. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, at the church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will be livestreamed on the St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church website and St. Peter the Fisherman Catholic Church Facebook page.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Klein & Stangel Funeral Home of Two Rivers, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.
