Robert L. Zeitelhack, age 96, of Tomahawk, WI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, at his home under the care of his family and Ascension at Home / Ministry HC Hospice. Bob was born in Tomahawk on June 17, 1923, to the late Leon and Ione (Scott) Zeitelhack. Bob enlisted in the Army and served from 1943-1945 where he was stationed in the Philippines and Okinawa. Bob came home to Tomahawk and became a police officer. Later, while at a local diner, he met his sweetheart, Orpha, and they married in 1947. They recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.
Bob and Orpha moved to sunny California in 1951 where Bob was a motorcycle officer for the Chula Vista Police Department. He enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and visiting with the local law enforcement through the International Police Association. Bob was best known in Chula Vista as “Officer Bob” and worked closely with the safety patrol children. In 1976, Bob retired and moved back to the homestead in Tomahawk, where he was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Bob is survived by his Daughter, Donna (Bill) Gillespie, of San Diego, CA; 2 Grandchildren, Cody (Ben) Lee, and Jodi Gillespie; his Sister, Karla Perkins, of Chula Vista, CA; his Brothers, Jim (Carla) Scott, of Alpine, CA, and Darryl (Jean) Zeitelhack, of Tomahawk, and many other family members.
He was preceded in death by his Wife, Orpha Zeitelhack; his Son, Don Zeitelhack; and his Stepfather, Don Scott.
Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019, at 1 p.m., at Prairie Rapids Cemetery. Rev. Stephen Gillet will officiate. Generations Funeral Home & Crematory, Tomahawk, is assisting the family. You may view Robert’s obituary and leave online condolences at generationsfuneral.com.