Robert "Bob" Witsken

        Robert “Bob” Witsken, age 84 of Dillsboro, IN passed away peacefully on January 9, 2023, surrounded by his wife and three daughters. Robert lived a full and happy life with the love of Jesus in his heart, was adored by his family, and loved dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His warm smile, big hugs, and the twinkle in his crystal blue eyes will be missed more than one could imagine.

        Robert was born in Cincinnati, OH on February 11, 1938, to Anthony and Pearl Witsken. He was raised, the middle of seven children, on Western Hills Avenue and spent much of his childhood either exploring the woods, skipping rocks on Muddy Creek, or hard at work with his family at The Witsken Dairy. The Dairy held many fond memories for Robert and his siblings and is where the foundation for his entrepreneur spirit laid.

        He entered the Army in November of 1962 and spent time serving in Korea before being honorably discharged from Fort Lewis Washington. He returned home to the “girl next door”, the love of his life, his partner, best friend, and soon-to-be wife, Martha Rupprecht. Robert and Martha were married on August 31, 1968, the beginning of over 54 years of an extraordinary and blessed life that they built together with their three daughters by their side.

        Robert ran and operated his own trucking company in Cincinnati, Witsken Trucking, for 21 years. His love for the outdoors and nature was always evident and his interest in landscaping and the nursery business soon grew into a second company, Evergreen Landscaping, which he and Martha began together. They purchased property in Dillsboro, IN, in 1977, beginning their nursery and enjoying time spent together there with their girls and their extended family. It was not long before the family made the permanent move to Indiana, and Evergreen became Robert’s full-time venture.

        Robert’s work ethic was unmatched. He could fix anything. His positive spirit and smile quickly made strangers into friends. In his retirement, Robert enjoyed spending his time on his tractor, using his tree digger, working in his yard, maintaining his many beautiful gardens, and even digging a pond on his property in honor of his brother Edward. He was the apple of his daughter’s eyes, and loved spending time with them and his eight grandchildren.

        He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Pearl (Schafer) Witsken, his brothers Tony Witsken, Edward (Lynda) Witsken, and sister Annette (Bob) Wood. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Martha (Rupprecht) and his daughters Jill (Bryan) Craft, Sharon (Randy) Palicki, and Robin (Greg) Kotz, as well as his beloved and adored grandchildren Hannah, Haley,and Jeremy Craft, Lucas, Alyssa, and Dylan Palicki, Ryan and Alex Kotz. He is also survived by brothers Bill (Michele) Witsken and John (Deborah) Witsken, and sister Mary (Walt) Kauscher. He will be dearly missed by his sisters-in-law Marilyn (Jeff) Hoehne, and Bobbie (Joe) Savarino along with many dear nieces and nephews.

        Family and friends may gather in remembrance of Robert from 10:00am - 12:00pm Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Dearborn Baptist Church, 9638 State Road 48, Aurora, IN 47001. A service will immediately follow at 12:00pm with Pastor Darrell Sparks officiating. Burial will follow in Oakdale Cemetery, with full military rites provided by the Milan American Legion Post #235. Memorials may be given in honor of Robert to the American Heart Association.

        Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements, Box 243, Milan, Indiana 47031, (812)654-2141. Please visit our website at www.lawscarrmoore.com to share your condolences and memories of Robert.