Robert W. "Bob" Lacock

Robert William Lacock, 73, of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, died on his birthday early on Friday morning, Feb 28, 2025 at his home. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 5:00 PM on Thursday March 6, 2025 at Salem United Methodist Church (541 Hwy WI-59, Waukesha, WI 53186) where he was a member, with the Funeral Service at 5:00 PM. Reverand Paola Benecchi and Rev. Carol Lakota Eastin will be officiating. Bob was born on Feb 28, 1952 in Pekin Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents (Edith) Musetta (Clary) and Robert J. Lacock of Kingston Mines, Illinois. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Sharon (Keith) Stolp of Vinton Iowa, and Regina (Susie) (Greg) Faulkenberry of Peoria Illinois and one brother Rex (Kim) Lacock of Chillicothe, Illinois; his daughters Cheri Ann (Nick) Grachek and Ginny Maria Lacock. He is survived by his wife, Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock; his brother James (Shirley) Lacock of East Peoria; and his children Robert E. Lacock of Peoria Heights, Candice Lacock (Aaron) Cunningham of Peoria, Illinois, and Nicole Frank (Jenn) of Yorkville, Illinois; Two grandchildren Savannah Grachek and Noah Cunningham. He is also survived by his brother-in-law’s Michael Oberwise (Diana) and Andrew Palmer (Ruth), many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Bob worked for Caterpillar, Inc for 43 ½ years. He started his career in 1970 as a deburr Operator in East Peoria building W while waiting for the next four-year Machinist Apprentice Program cycle to begin. Upon graduation from the Apprentice program, he was assigned to the East Peoria Planning Department in building X2. In 1978, Bob accepted a three-year assignment at Caterpillars Sao Paulo Brazil facility where he implemented CNC machining on the shop floor. Upon returning to East Peoria, Bob spent several years as a supervisor in Manufacturing before moving to the IT environment. He progressed through various leadership roles with increasing responsibilities, achieving the highlight of his career as the IT manager at Joliet, TBU and Cat Work Tools. In 2012 as he was ending his career, Bob was the Portfolio Manager in the Global Information Services Human Resources Division where he was responsible for successfully managing a suite of infrastructure and security to integrate the legacy Bucyrus Corporation (Cat Global mining) into the Caterpillar environment. Bob graduated from Glasford High school where he was part of the wrestling team and band. Later he graduated from Illinois Central College with an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Bob worked with Scouting Troop 56 in Glasford, Illinois for over 20 years. He had his own business called Sleepy Hallow Enterprises. He was an active member of Kingston Mines United Methodist Church and served for many years as Lay Leader and liturgist of the church. As a young man he enjoyed playing taps with his coronet for veteran services, fishing, gardening, raising chickens, restoring old cars with his last one being his 1957 Ranchero and loved working on his 1980 Chevy dump truck. He took many trips with his family out west (Las Vegas, South Dakota, Salt Lake City, Disneyland, Kansas) and enjoyed most recently going to Mackinaw Island and Door County. After moving to Wisconsin, he became an avid Brewers and Packer fan. Memorials may be given to Salem UMC or MorningSky Initiative, Inc for a Native American ministry project entitled, Healing with Dignity. Special thanks to the Town of Mukwonago Police, Mukwonago Area EMT’s and fire department, and Waukesha Medical Examiner for their compassionate and professional care. A second service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Kingston Mines United Methodist Church (405 3rd St, Kingston Mines, IL 61539) with a Memorial Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM. Rozga Funeral & Cremation Services Mukwonago Chapel 262-661-5213

Robert W. "Bob" Lacock

February 28, 2025