Robert Emmett Small

Robert Emmett Small, 88, of Scandinavia, died Saturday, December 28, 2019 of injuries from an accident on his property.  He successfully battled lung cancer after 15 months of treatment.  Robert was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 19, 1931, a son of the late Verna (Schneider) and Emmett  Small.    His early years were spent on the family farm in New Berlin where he attended a one room school house.  The family moved to Brookfield, Wisconsin in 1943.  Bob started his work career early with a newspaper bicycle route in New Berlin, employment at Van Holten pickle company, and as a caddy at a Waukesha County golf course.  He graduated from West Allis Central High School and earned a B.A. Degree from Spencerian College in Milwaukee.  Bob went on to become a  Register Reader at Gimbels in Milwaukee, then to the stores cash office.  At this time he met his wife to be, Marianne.  He continued with the company as Assistant Manager at the accommodation desk at the South Gate store, where the couple were co-employees.  They married in 1959 and Bob was promoted to Group Manager at the Mayfair store, in charge of five department, then became manager of the cash office, credit department, customer service, and layaway.  He left Gimbels in 1975 and worked assembling hoses at Goodall Rubber Company in New Berlin.  In 1978 the couple moved to Scandinavia where he worked at Mills Fleet Farm for 18 years until his retirement.   In his younger years, Bob was a pitcher for a hardball amateur team in Waukesha County, and later was an avid viewer, enjoyed fishing, bowling, bird feeding, gardening, and animal watching.  The couple raised and sold chickens, ducks, and eggs and loved to take one day trips around the state.   Survivors include his Wife of 60 years Marianne, Son: Patrick of Waupaca, Brother in law: Wally (Kathy) Obermann of Lac Du Flambeau,  Sister in law: Joelen Obermann of Minocqua,  Nephews:  Scott (Lisa) Wilkey of Woodbury, MN.,  Tad (Katie) Wilkey of Maple Grove, MN.,  Niece: Lisa Wilkey of Boise, ID., Nephew in law:  Gerry (Jill) Posto of Rothschild, Niece in law:  Terry Posto of Conover, cousins and friends.  Bob was preceded in death by his sister:  Kathy Wilkey of MN.  Brother in law: Frank Wilkey and his parents, Brother and Sister in law:  Len and Virginia Posto and two nephews.    The family wishes to thank Dr. Phillips and the Infusion team at Theda Care Riverside Medical Center in Waupaca, the hospice care nurses and Dr. Butkiewicz for their tender care during Bob's last two days on earth, and Father Xavier Santiago from St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church of Waupaca for his prayers to help Bob on his way.    Per Bob's wishes there will be no service or memorial.  Voie Funeral Home of Iola is assisting the family with arrangements.  Register Book and online condolences may be sent by visiting www.voiefuneralhome.com