Robert C. Karste

Robert C. “Bob” Karste, 73, of Sheboygan, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2023 after a 3-month battle with PML.  He was born July 11, 1949 in Sheboygan to the late Aubrey “Roland” and Charlotte (Dahler) Karste.  Bob grew up in Park Forest, IL and graduated from Rich East High School. He then went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University.  Following college, Bob moved back to Sheboygan.  He worked for the Kohler Company for a few years, and then went on to work for Kieffer Sign Company for 28 years, retiring in 2014.

On July 16, 2005 he was united in marriage to Karen Steffes at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Sheboygan.  Karen and Bob were soulmates and were inseparable to the very end.

Bob enjoyed the outdoors, gardening and traveling with Karen. In his retirement he volunteered at the Maywood Environmental Park and various other places.  He enjoyed reading and loved model trains.  Family and friends were important to Bob; he cherished the time he spent with them creating lasting memories. His kind and loving spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Bob is survived by his wife of 17 years, Karen, his sister-in-law Sharon Karste, brothers-in-law Craig (Terese) Steffes and Chris (Virginia) Steffes, nieces Michelle (Fiancé Rhett Nowotny) Steffes and Anna (Andrew) Steffes. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John Karste, and in-laws Bob and Betty Steffes.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 12:00 Noon at Zimmer Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Rd., Sheboygan, with Chris Steffes officiating.  Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the FUNERAL HOME.  If you are unable to join the family for the service, it will be livestreamed on Bob’s obituary page on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Maywood (Ellwood H. May) Environmental Park in Bob’s name.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff on 4NW at Froedtert Hospital and the staff at Zilber Family Hospice for their care, compassion and support.