Robert Fredrick Bilharz

Robert Fredrick Bilharz age 81 of Nashua passed away on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at his home in Nashua surrounded by family.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 30, 2024, at Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua.  Graveside service will follow at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in Charles City with Nathan Ward, Joey Hawke, Brandon Pederson, Brandon Sopkwiak, Norman Kauffman, Brian Bilharz, Jeremy Bilharz, and Todd Bilharz serving as pallbearers.  Jonathan Nybo and Jacob Putney will be serving as honorary pallbearers.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Hugeback – Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory – Olson Chapel in Nashua has been entrusted with arrangements.

Robert has officially hung up his hunting boots and embarked on the ultimate adventure—leaving behind a lifetime of memories. Born on March 26, 1943, to Clair and Mildred Bilharz, Robert spent his early years mastering the fine art of hunting, trapping, and fishing, while also perfecting sibling mischief and brotherly teasing. He was never one to stay out of trouble. One of his favorite pastimes was spinning wild tales about the things he always wanted to be—like President, an astronaut, or an Olympic champion—but his dad, ever the pragmatist, “wouldn’t let him”.

A 1962 graduate of Charles City High School, Robert joined the Army National Guard soon after and served for six years. In November 1978, he married his partner in adventure, and love of his life, Debbie, and together they embarked on countless escapades, from camping under the stars to hunting and fishing in every nook and cranny they could find.

Robert was a man of many skills and hobbies. When he wasn’t deep in the woods with a fishing pole in one hand and a beer in the other, he was in his garden growing and canning vegetables, ensuring his pantry was always well stocked.

As a machinist for most of his life, Robert retired from Unverferth in 2017 after 20+ years, but retirement didn’t mean slowing down—it meant switching gears. He took up crafting and selling birdhouses and feeders, transforming every neighborhood into a haven of stylish, hand-crafted avian homes and dining establishments. He was also a long-time member of the American Legion, an affiliation he was especially proud of and held dear to his heart.

Robert was a man who worked hard, lived harder, and loved hardest. He was ornery to the core, but those who knew him best understood that beneath his gruff exterior was a heart of gold-or at least silver, depending on the day. He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, hard work, and enough stories to fill dozens of hunting cabins.

Robert will be missed by many and fondly remembered by all who shared a beer, a joke, a camping trip, or any other adventure with him. And as for those dreams his dad didn’t let him chase—may his spirit now explore the universe, lead nations, or at least catch the biggest fish in the great beyond.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; his devoted dog, Angel; his children, Tammy (Nathan Ward) Bilharz, Todd (Beth) Bilharz, and Kayla (Norman) Kauffman; his cherished grandchildren, Joey Hawke, Brandon Pederson, Breanna Bratsch, Jacob Putney, Jonathan Nybo, Symone Nybo, Brandon Sopkowiak, and Trey Bilharz; and many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Randall Bilharz, James (Bonnie) Bilharz, Danny (Patty) Bilharz, Susan (Paul) Sedgwick, and Joan Bilharz; sister-in-laws: Janet Bilharz and Sharon Bilharz; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clair and Mildred Bilharz; his siblings Jerald Bilharz, Richard Bilharz, and Ronald Bilharz; his sister-in-law, Starlene Bilharz; his nephew, Ron Bilharz Jr.; and dear friends, Dave Rodemaker and Mike Lindner.

In lieu of flowers please plant a tree in Robert’s honor www.thetreesremember.com .

(641) 435-4134.