(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)Robert Wesley Karraker, beloved husband, father, papa, and decorated veteran, passed away peacefully at home on March 16, 2025. Born on April 4, 1946, in Chicago, IL, he was the son of Dr. Robert Heilig Karraker and Nancy Thuman Karraker and the brother of Ann Karraker, Sally Terry, and Kathy Baumer.
His priorities in life were his family, his country, and his faith. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 56 years, Cynthia Martin Karraker and the proud father of three children: John Robert Karraker (Shannon), Eric Wesley Karraker, and Sara Karraker Fite (Steve).
He adored his six grandchildren—Michael Karraker, Travis Karraker, Ryan Karraker, Slade Karraker, Chris Fite, and Emily Henry—as well as his three great-grandchildren, Kaison and Kolby Henry and Liv Marie Fite. His greatest joy was time spent with family, whether at Sunday dinners or on extended family trips and vacations. He was his children’s and grandchildren’s greatest supporter in all their endeavors as he enthusiastically attended horse shows, ballet recitals, T-ball and Little League games, wrestling matches, soccer and football games, plays, concerts and archery tournaments.
But, above all, Bob was a protector. A U.S. Army veteran, Bob served in the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment (the Black Lions) in Vietnam, where he was awarded three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and a Silver Star. After being wounded in combat, he spent a year recovering at Fitzsimons Army Hospital before being discharged in July 1968. It was shortly after returning home to Wisconsin from his stay at Fitzsimons that he met Cindy—the love of his life—and from that moment on it was always “Bob and Cindy.”
Bob was a past deacon of the 1st Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the VFW and the 28th Infantry Association, and was active in the Boy Scouts of America as scout leader to the 1st Presbyterian Church Troop 10 and as a member of the Order of the Arrow. His favorite scouting memories included attending Philmont with his son John, canoeing trips on the white River with John and Eric and their troop and helping his grandsons Travis and Ryan achieve Eagle Scout.
But, above all, Bob was a protector. A U.S. Army veteran, Bob served in the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment (the Black Lions) in Vietnam, where he was awarded three Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, and a Silver Star. After being wounded in combat, he spent a year recovering at Fitzsimons Army Hospital before being discharged in July 1968. It was shortly after returning home to Wisconsin from his stay at Fitzsimons that he met Cindy—the love of his life—and from that moment on it was always “Bob and Cindy.”
Bob was a past deacon of the 1st Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the VFW and the 28th Infantry Association, and was active in the Boy Scouts of America as scout leader to the 1st Presbyterian Church Troop 10 and as a member of the Order of the Arrow. His favorite scouting memories included attending Philmont with his son John, canoeing trips on the white River with John and Eric and their troop and helping his grandsons Travis and Ryan achieve Eagle Scout.
In addition to time spent with his family he loved gardening, reading, hunting, traveling, playing Bridge, and spending time with his dog, Cracker Jack. Bob never met a stranger and found joy in making others laugh.
At the time of his death Bob was surrounded by loving family members, and was supported by a caring and compassionate team of care providers including Courntey, Nicki, Stacy, Kathy and Haylee and the staff of Compassus Hospice and Visiting Angels.
A visitation will be held at Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. A prayer service with full military honors will be held on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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