Robert A. Krcma, age 75, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away with family by his side on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at his residence.
Bob was born on January 15, 1947 in Manitowoc to the late Richard and Jeanette (Orth) Krcma. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1965. While taking classes in electronics at Lakeshore Technical College, Bob was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country overseas in Vietnam from May of 1966 until his honorable discharge in May of 1968. He ultimately achieved the rank of Sergeant and was the recipient of numerous medals including the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star and Purple Heart. On July 22, 1972, Bob married Susanna Bessert in Manitowoc. He worked at the Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry from where he retired after more than 40 years of employment. Bob was also an avid pyrotechnician and was employed with Bartolotta Fireworks. He was a member of the Wisconsin Pyrotechnic Arts Guild and enjoyed attending numerous Pyrotechnics Guild International conventions throughout the country. Bob liked spending his time collecting mineral and gem specimens, planting trees and flowers (and making his boys carry the water for them), going to the family cottage at Cedar Lake, having bonfires, making snow forts with room capacity of at least 20 people and a bonfire, and target shooting rain or shine on Saturdays with his buddies at “the range”. Above all, Bob was a very patriotic man who loved his country, family, and friends – especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include Bob’s wife of nearly 50 years, Sue; three children, Carrie and her fiancée Brian, Tony, and Jon; four grandchildren, Ian, Anna, Landon, and Lainey; three siblings, Julie (Paul) Burbey, Bill Krcma, and Jack (Sue Ellen) Krcma; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law to include: Mary (Doug) Schultz, Kathy (John) Dodge, Judy (Jerry) Backus, Cindy Elfner, Debbie (Randy) Mrozinski, and Marty (Doreen) Bessert; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Jeanette Krcma; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ken and Peggy Bessert.
A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2022 at Knox’s Silver Valley Supper Club, 1222 South Alverno Road, Manitowoc. Military rites will be accorded by Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 731 at 7 p.m. to conclude the Celebration. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. In respect with Bob’s love of fireworks, portions of his ashes will be placed in aerial shells which will detonated at a later date. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The family would appreciate memorials in Bob’s name which will be used to benefit organizations that were important to him.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
