Robert Karl Horstmeier

Robert K. Horstmeier, 79, of Waukesha died Wednesday, March 19, 2014 just shy of his 80th birthday. He was born October 19, 1934 in Van Nuys, California to Paul H. and Margaret E. Horstmeier (nee: Hopkins). He moved with his brothers Paul and Laurence (Betsy) Horstmeier to Madison, WI where he graduated from Madison West in 1952. He joined the Army during the Korean War as a MP where he received the UN medal, National Defense and Korean Service medal. On May 1, 1958 he joined the Waukesha Police Department and proudly served until October 19, 1989. During his tenure at the police department he was a patrolman and then he earned the rank of Detective on March 18, 1966. He was promoted to Lieutenant on March 13, 1979 for the Juvenile Division. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in Criminal Justice from Milton College May 1979. He was instrumental in initiating the McGruff program and also, held several Bike rodeos for the city. He retired in 1989 after serving 30 years with the Waukesha Police Department. He was a faithful member of St. William Catholic Church, a member of The Soat Vergenz VFW Post #721 and The D.J. Martin American Legion Post #8. While retired he enjoyed traveling, collecting watches, and spending time talking smart.
On October 20, 1956 he married Sherry D. Biedenbender. She preceded him in death April 5, 1974. They had four children. Terry Jaeckel Risteen, Robin (John) Davidson, Diane (John) Kazmierski, and James (Lisa) Horstmeier. On February 7, 1974 he married Joni B Blando. She preceded him in death July 4, 2001. She had two sons Greg (Patty) Blando and Anthony (Tony). On May 30, 2003 he married Marty Connors who survives him. He is also, survived by 9 grandchildren, Angela (Ryan) Kerrigan, Jennifer Blando, Mallory and Cody Davidson, Jake and Bob Kazmierski, Calvin and Travis Horstmeier, and Samuel Blando. One great grandson James Ryan (the lad) Kerrigan. Many nephews, nieces, other family and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, March 24, 2014 at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home 1110 S. Grand Avenue, Waukesha 53186 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A Rosary will be prayed at 8:00 PM. Services continue on Tuesday at the funeral home with prayers at 9:15 AM followed by the procession to St. William Catholic Church 440 N. Moreland Blvd. Waukesha 53188 for the Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Graveside services with full military and police department honors will follow at Highland Memorial Park in New Berlin.

The family would like to thank the VA palliative care unit 4C, Waukesha Memorial Hospital ICU and ER, Waukesha Fire Rescue, and Bill.