Robert "Rob" Pikalek

Robert "Rob" Pikalek died in his Clinton, Wisconsin home on November 16, 2021 at the age of 78.  Born on October 1, 1943 to the late Simon and Mary (Barker) Pikalek in Waukegan, Illinois, Rob graduated from Waukegan High School, class of 1961 and earned a Business Management degree from U.W. Whitewater.  He married Ann Winkley on August 28, 1965 at the Presbyterian Church in Clinton, WI.  Though he spent most of his career in sales, teaching was his true passion.  He taught classes part-time at Rockford Business College and Blackhawk Technical College for nearly 20 years.  He also had a significant impact on the lives of many young adults, both as a 4-H leader and as a Rock County Superintendent for nearly 30 years.  His service to the community continued with his volunteer work at the Clinton Senior Center, acting as Vice President for many years. 

Rob was a veteran of the U.S. Army who served in Vietnam from 1968 until 1969.  Formally assigned as a supply clerk, Rob also spent time as a military instructor. 
Rob loved meeting new people, and he never seemed to run out of silly songs, dances, or bad jokes.    In his 40s and 50s he was fond of running and had a knack for finding a young woman to run beside whenever he participated in a road race.  In recent years, he enjoyed the company of his friends and fellow horseback riding campers who were always available to offer him a meal or a Coke.  He enjoyed learning all the names of the horses on the campsite, and he had a knack for striking up new friendships.  His wife Ann returned from many horseback rides to find him sitting in a camp chair, enjoying a meal with a newly found friend.

Rob was proud of his children and granddaughter, at times to their own embarrassment.  Whether they were pinned down in a dentist’s chair or at the hairdresser’s, he was known to show them off to anyone he could (never mind the hair rollers).  Rob loved golfing, bowling, and animals. He loved food as well, primarily Spam, noodles, ice cream, a good breakfast… and another bowl of ice cream.  All of that would be finished off with a Coke.  A lifelong Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, he never missed the chance to cheer for or talk about his favorite teams, and he was over the moon when the Cubs finally won the World Series in 2016.  He was quick to spark a friendly rivalry with a Packers or Brewers fan, usually to his own detriment.

He is survived by his wife Ann, his two daughters, Lisa Vining (married to Mike Vining) of Middleton, WI and Amy Pikalek (married to Andrew Fulton) of Madison, WI, his granddaughter Cassie Vining, his sister Ann Hansen and his 3 dogs: Pippa, Chico & Sadie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Paul and Tommy, and his brother-in-law Wayne. 

A private family service will be held where even the truest of Packers fans will wear Bears or Cubs attire in his memory.  After years of losing one-dollar bets to wayward Packers fans, Rob will smile that the last round goes to him.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clinton Public Library, 214 Mill St., Clinton, WI 53525 or the Rock County Multi Use Trail, 1908 East Manague Rd., Milton, WI 53563.

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