Robert Joseph Schleife

Robert Joseph Schleife, age 76, of rural Whitehall died on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in the Grand View Care Center in Blair.

Robert was born on June 14, 1950 in Milwaukee to Robert and Jean (LaBlanc) Schleife.

Robert spent most of his working years as a finish carpenter, bringing his craftsmanship to many beautiful homes, including the home of Milwaukee Brewers player, Paul Molitor.

His hobbies included gardening, architectural drawing and model shipbuilding. He carefully assembled his ships piece by piece, sometimes spending two years completing a single model. He had a keen interest in architecture and history and loved animals, especially cats.

Although Robert never married, children held a special place in his heart. He especially enjoyed spending time with his 14 nieces and nephews, often inventing imaginative games and building toys for them to enjoy.

Robert is survived by his sister, Lynn (Tom) Parnau; his brother, Greg (Sharon) Schleif, his nieces and nephews and their families.

Lynn’s family includes Thomas Parnau and his daughter, Mikki; Timothy (Heather) Parnau and their children, Savannah, Anicka and Mira; Cara (Brad) Mueller and Brad’s son, Benjamin Mueller; Benjamin Parnau and his partner, Beau; Samuel Parnau and his partner, Karol, and their daughter, Lily.

Greg’s family includes Brian (Melanie) Schleife.

His late sister Karen’s family includes Nathan (Sara) Cooper and their children, Ethan and Esther; Elizabeth (Michael) Soto and their son, Dalton; Sara (Jason) Capouch and her stepchildren, Samantha, Austyn and Emerie; Rebecca (Scott) Johnson; Natalie (Jacob) Spies and their children, Elliot, Owen, Alaina, and Evelyn; Andrew (April) Cooper and their children, Ava and Alexander; Kevin (Melanie) Cooper and his stepchildren, Elizabeth and Jackson; and Philip (Miranda) Cooper and their children, Dylan, Sophia and Lilly.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jean Schleife; his sister, Karen Cooper Hagen; and his great-nephew, Jaris Parnau.

No services are planned at this time.