Robert D. Eberhardt (Bob)

Born on July 13, 1931. Died Wednesday, July 17, 2019 shortly after his 88th birthday. Son of the late George & Elfrieda (nee Vollmann) Eberhardt. Husband of the late Sharon C. Eberhardt (nee Adams). Brother of the late Nancy Kotowski (nee Eberhardt). Brother-in-law of Dennis (Betteanne) Adams. Father of David (Lisa), John (Tina Hunter), Christi (Steve) Gagliano. Grandfather to Caitlin (Richard) Eaton, Sam Kavanugh (Kara Penco), Sevdalin (Gabriela), Erich, Jasen, Melanie Hunter and Rachel Hunter. Great Grandfather to Annabella. Father-in-law to Mary (Joe) Porter, Cyndy (Charles) Spang and Randy Kavanaugh. Special friend of Lora and Jim Wacholz, Meghan Leja, Pat Krause and Janet Janisch. Our family especially thanks Synergy HomeCare and their dedicated staff who cared for Bob in his last years. The extraordinary efforts, love and care of Synergy's workers allowed Bob to stay and pass away in the home he loved. Bob was a graduate of Washington High (1949), UW-Madison (1953) and earned his MS from Marquette University (1961). Bob served state-side in the US Army Armored 6th Division during the Korean conflict and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. As such, Bob never considered himself a true veteran and would sarcastically quip that he had “bravely” served from behind a typewriter. He worked as a chemist at Allis Chalmers, AO Smith and the George J. Meyer Company, relishing pompous titles such as Chief Master Chemist (even though he was the ONLY chemist). Bob was hired in 1969 to be Milwaukee County’s first Forensic Toxicologist. He established the office and laboratory, purchased all equipment and hired additional staff. Decades later, he helped relocate the office when the Medical Examiners office moved from the Safety Building to its current location on Highland Avenue. He was a member of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology. After retiring from the county, Bob worked as an independent consultant and served as an expert witness in many legal cases. Bob taught “Hazardous Materials” evening courses at Milwaukee Area Technical college to numerous area fire fighters. Bob collected clocks and watches, and loved going to auctions, especially sheriff’s auctions. He was a frequent visitor to many clock shops and member of local watch clubs. As a musician, Bob played double bass in the Washington High School Orchestra and tuba in Washington High School Band. He played bass with the Vince Petta Trio during the 50s through 60s. In the 70s through the 90s, Bob performed at hundreds of weddings and dinner clubs with Paul Erber & the Generation Gap. Bob and Sharon also used their musical talents to minister to the elderly in nursing homes, in addition to participating in the musical ministries of their church. Bob and Sharon were loved members of Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church where they served God through praise, music, devotion and charity. Visitation Sunday, July 28 at Rozga-Walloch Chapel (4309 S. 20th St.) 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM followed by the Funeral Service at 6:30. Bob’s life will be celebrated by Pastor Dan Czech. Bob will appreciate continuation of his charity by memorial donations to Life Impact Ministries. The family can forward your donations to Pastor Dan.