Robert “Bob” William Harley, age 93, passed away Friday August 9, 2019, surrounded by his beloved wife and 2 of his daughters. He was born in Oklahoma City, OK on December 12, 1925.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Rosella (nee Olson) Harley, children Kathleen Harley, Robert (Dana) Harley II, Arthur (Rhonda) Harley, Jeffrey Harley, and Michael Harley Sr, step children Pat (John) Miller and Kim (Doug) Grapel, sister Esther Grona, grandchildren Tony Heinen, Tammy (Chad) Rolph, Amanda (Chad) Philson, Jessica, Robert III, Frank, Skyler, Austin, Clifford, Jennifer, Jonathan, Meagan, Michael Jr, Christopher, Lacey and Priscilla Harley, Erin Lasocki, Jessica (Joe) Stewart, Alexis, John (Rebecca) and Adam Twito, 28 great grandchildren, and other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by parents Yarkin and Mary Harley, children Karen (Chuck) Heinen, Karla Harris, and Clifford Harley Sr., and grandson Brandon Harley.
Bob was a retired military veteran, who served proudly in the Marines from June 1941 to May 1947. He served overseas in the Pacific on Guadalcanal during World War II. He was also in the Army from July 1948 to March 1963 where he was one of the “Frozen Chosin” during the Korean War. He received the Bronze Medal of Honor there. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and a member of the 720th military police, and the Chosin Few organization.
Bob was proud of his Muscogee (Creek) Native American heritage. His tribe took him and 9 other Creek veterans on a 5 day Honor Flight to Washington, DC to see all the monuments. It was a trip of a lifetime that he always remembered and talked about.
After he retired from the military, Bob worked in construction, and then as a wide-load truck escort where he was known as ‘Cochise’ and traveled all over the country. He enjoyed NASCAR, golfing and watching golf, Brandy and Cokes, fishing, and military reunions with his units.
Bob was known for his quick wit and humor and always had a smile on his face. He liked to cook his specialties, chicken cacciatore, shrimp scampi and deviled eggs, which will be sorely missed at family functions.
He married his soulmate, Rose on August 10, 1991. The two of them shared a love of traveling, casinos, and spoiling their grandkids and great-grandkids. They made their home in West Allis and later Cudahy, WI but over the last 11 years, they also made a winter home in Destin, FL where they had many friends.
Visitation will be on Friday August 16 from 1-3pm at Harvest Community Church (6612 S. Howell Ave. Oak Creek, WI), with service and military honors to follow at 3pm.
Internment will be scheduled at the National Cemetery in Union Grove, WI.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Bob’s name are suggested for The Salvation Army.