Robert Lee Riske

Robert Lee Riske, age 76, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday January 15, 2008 at his home. He was born April 29, 1931 in the Township of Little Wolf, Waupaca Co. son of the late Edward John and Magdalena Lana (Kenitz) Riske. Robert was a graduate of Little Wolf High School in Manawa. At the age of 19 he joined the US. Air Force, serving four years of active duty during the Korean War. He worked as a jet engine mechanic. After the service he studied diesel mechanics at Bailey Tech. Robert experienced several career changes after the war which included working for McDonald Douglas as an aircraft mechanic, working as an over the road truck driver and working at New London Engineering. On October 17, 1959 he married Wanda Mae Weidman in Phoenix Arizona. She preceded him in death November 13, 2005. Robert spent most of his adult life as a resident of the Township of Little Wolf, Waupaca County where he and his wife owned and operated a dairy farm. Hunting, fishing, trapping and horses were his passions. Robert led a colorful life that included several hunting trips. He proudly displayed his moose and caribou racks in his home. He also loved to show off his bear skin rug to visitors. He started trapping at the age of twelve and was still trapping during the 2007 season. Robert was always eager to find a new project. His biggest project was building a stage coach from plans he obtained from the Smithsonian Institute. Other smaller projects included carving totem poles, making freeze proof tip ups and live traps. Survivors include his children: Nina (Lyle) Much, Manawa; Lisa (Tommy) Mills, DeKalb, TX; Brian Riske, Manawa; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Beside his parents and wife he was preceded in death by a brother: Norman and a niece: Sarah. The funeral service for Robert will be held 1:30 p.m. Saturday January 19, 2008 at the Cline-Hanson-Dahlke Funeral Home in Manawa with Rev. Jeffrey Smile officiating. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Friday (Today) from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from noon until the time of the service.