Robert Michael Baratka

ROBERT MICHAEL BARATKA
Robert M. “Bob” Baratka, 71, died on Monday, December 14, 2015, at the U.W. Madison Hospital, Madison, Wis. He was born on September 5, 1944, in Milwaukee, the son of Adam and Leona (Fitzgerald) Baratka.. He attended and graduated from Phillips High School, Class of 1962. Bob married his loving wife of 52 years Betty Lou Cress on June 1, 1963, in Phillips.
After living in Milwaukee they returned to Phillips in 1970 to go into business with his brothers.
Bob along with his brothers, Bill and David owned and operated Phillips Plating Corporation, Phillips from 1970 until his retirement in January of 2014. They worked tirelessly building a business providing jobs to over 100 employees as well as developing ground breaking plating techniques.
In his free time Bob enjoyed time spent with family and friends, was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing and especially spending time at his cabin his “happy place”.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years wife Betty Lou, Phillips, by his 3 children: Kimberly (Ron) Pasch, Pittsburgh, Pa., Robert (Brenda), Merrill, Wi. and Shawn (Becky) Phillips, Wi. by 5 grandchildren: Jordan, Kale and Connor Pasch, and Dawson and Dakiya Baratka, by 2 brothers William “Bill” (Betty) and David (Lorraine) Phillips, by 2 sisters: Shelley (Bob) Brevak, Ashland, and Debbie Baratka, Phillips and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister Jackie Foster and 2 brothers: Bernie and Glendan.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, Phillips, with Fr. Gerald Hagen officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Phillips. Friends may call from 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2015, at the church until the time of the service.
Honorary Pallbearers are: Gary Genske, Jimmy Campbell, Mitch Adams Bob Brevak, John Korpela, Peter Huettl and Dick Kramer, and Jim Kramer
The Heindl Funeral Home, Phillips, is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.heindlfuneralhome.com.