Robert Michael McKenna

Robert McKenna, affectionately known as “Bob,” passed away peacefully on April 19, 2025, at the age of 76, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Bob was born on December 31, 1948 to Maurice McKenna and Marcella Schwalbach- McKenna. He was the firstborn of seven children.

Bob was a 1967 graduate of Bay View High School and was a proud member of Lake Band. He went on to graduate from UW-Milwaukee, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Bob’s professional life was marked by a dedicated career as a United Auto Worker at Chrysler for 35 years. Beyond his work at the parts plant, Bob’s passion for union solidarity, workers’ rights, and social justice shone through in his work as a writer and editor for the UAW Local 75 newspaper, The Crest. Bob was a passionate union brother, earning him the Walter Reuther Distinguished Service Member Award in 2008. His union brothers and sisters were as close as family. He was always ready for a strike and loved a good picket line.

At the heart of Bob’s world was his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan. Bob and Susi met in the Bay View High School Band. After a few months of following her around she finally agreed to a date the rest is history. Together, Bob and Susi settled in Bay View and had three beautiful children Sarah (Brian) Lorbiecki, Erin (Jeff) Orlowski and Andrew (Robyn) McKenna. Bob was the proudest grandpa to Zachary, Jackson, Ella, Lauryn, Ayden and Adalynn.

Bob was wicked smart, articulate, well-read, and a crossword puzzle master - NY Times Sunday didn’t even have a chance. Jeopardy! was a favorite, and heaven help anyone who dared to call during that 30 minutes. He often quoted Sherlock Holmes and Henry David Thoreau, earning an eye roll from his children. A true outdoorsman, Bob found solace in the quiet times of fishing and the thrill of turkey hunting.

Bob was proud of his Bay View heritage and loved his community. In the summer, Bob could be found sitting on the porch with his crossword puzzle, just watching people walk by. He was very popular with the neighborhood dogs, spoiling them with treats and ear and belly rubs. He found humor in watching the walker lose complete control of their dog as they approached his house. Bob was not a man of many words, but always chose the right ones. He had a talent for drawing people into meaningful conversations that always left you thinking.

Bob was a jack of many trades and could fix ANYTHING! His artistic passion centered around woodworking. Many happy hours were spent “puttering” away in his shop, listening to union hymns, and we always joked, “plotting the revolution”. In true artist fashion, you always had to beg a little bit; he needed detailed plans, and when the project was done, you didn’t get exactly what you were looking for, but rather his improved version. No arguing; he would simply say, “Well, this is how it’s supposed to look“! He refused to take payment for any of his projects because, “Once someone pays you, they expect perfection and that is not possible”! Bob’s woodworking projects are treasured by the local community and cherished in the homes of his loved ones.

One of Bob’s favorite quotes was “On the sixth day God rested. His grandchildren must have been out of town”. Bob had many titles throughout his life, but no title could ever compete with that of “Grandpa”.There is no doubt that he was born to be a grandpa! The individual bonds he had with all his grandchildren were forged in sheer love and pride. It could be seen the second he answered the door to welcome them in (often closing it to the parents, whom he kindly referred to as the “Ruiners of Fun”). It was a very mutual feeling, because the grandkids absolutely adored him!! There was NOTHING they could do to disappoint him (except go on vacation for a week). He was actively present in their daily lives, from building bird houses with their kindergarten classes, watching Laurel and Hardy movies, and playing checkers, war, the bottle cap game, pounding nails in the workshop, to having his nails painted and his makeup done, nothing was too much for him. Here is truly where his greatest loss will be felt.

The lessons that Bob has taught those who knew him and loved him are those of integrity, compassion, and dedication. While he was self-admittedly far from perfect, he never made a promise he could not keep, his word was his bond, and he always told the truth. He respected people, fought for social justice, and was a staunch defender of Democracy. We will honor his memory by cherishing our families, finding joy in nature, respecting the art of craftsmanship, buying American, and fighting for those who don’t have a voice.

We know in the depths of our souls that Bob is waving his red editor’s pen all over this obituary and will be editing it for all Eternity. We only hope that we have done his legacy a little justice.

Bob is further survived by his siblings Kathleen (Lee) Morgan, Tim (Gail) McKenna, Patrick McKenna, Susan (Duane) Gorgen, Jerry (Jenny) McKenna, and Paul (Cindy) McKenna, along with many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Kumari Chintamaneni and St. Croix Hospice, especially Lisa and Chad. Your excellent care and compassion brought him and the family so much comfort. Special thanks also to Kathie Halla and all of our great friends who helped support us through this difficult time.

A Celebration of Life for Bob will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions for a remembrance tree can be made in Bob’s name to The Park People of Milwaukee County or by clicking on the link provided below. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WRGBPKUT6T684