Robert "Bob" B. Hale

Robert Bob Burdette Hale, age 80, of rural Lancaster, died on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 27, 1929, in Little Grant Township, the son of Irven Webb and Ella Mae (Wilson) Hale. Bob attended Predeaux Country School in Little Grant. He enlisted in the US Army and served at Fort Benning from 1948 to1949 and also served in Korea from 1950 to 1951. Bob was employed at Brodtville Cheese Factory when he met Darleen LaVon Pitzer. On August 14, 1950, Robert was united in marriage to Darleen Pitzer in Dubuque, IA. He also worked at Ziegler Hampton Hardware before farming. Together they farmed from 1955 until his retirement in 1982. Bob continued to work by delivering milk in Cassville, delivering the Shopping News, and working at the Wonder Wash Car Washes. He also liked woodworking, fishing and reading westerns. Bob was a member of the Richard Burns American Legion Post No. 109, where we was adjutant for many years and William Pollock VFW Post No. 2344, both of Lancaster.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by a son, Gregory; three brothers and one step-sister: Elmo, Harold, Charles and Gladys Specht.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Darleen Hale, Lancaster; 13 children: Becky (Gary) Bjorge, DeForest; Robert R., Nekoosa; Kim Wilker, Wauzeka; Sheila Albrecht (Richard Boller), Prairie du Chien; Todd (Jane), Montfort; Rodney (Brenda), Wisconsin Rapids; Timothy (Carol), Baldwin; Scott (Maureen), Stanchfield, MN; Kurt (Deb), Lancaster; Eric, Lancaster; Kristin (Frank) Ries, Marquette, IA; Jennifer Wepking (Brian Wepking), Lancaster and Kerri (Jason) Damm, Fort Atkinson; 40 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Julie Hale, New Lisbon; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. at Schwartz Funeral Home in Lancaster with Reverend Mary Ann Floerke officiating. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, Lancaster with Military Honors provided by the Richard Burns American Legion Post No. 109 and William Pollock VFW Post No. 2344, both of Lancaster. Family and friends called on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the funeral home.