Robert H. "Bob" DeValk spread laughter like wildfire, even in the toughest of times. His children, grandchildren, doctors, caretakers, neighbors, friends at the church—everyone was subject to his infectious humor. Even through his service in the Korean War, and a decade-long battle with lung disease that ultimately claimed his life, he maintained his optimism effortlessly.

Robert DeValk died on May 7, 2016. He was eighty-three. Robert was born in Combined Locks to the late John and Mary (Kamps) DeValk on April 23, 1933. His strong work ethic was apparent in his early years. He worked for Hoffman Company for 24 years, Miron Construction, C. R. Meyer and Warehouse Specialists.

After returning from his service in the Korean War, he married the love of his life, Helen Gosz, in Greenleaf on November 24, 1954, when he was 20. They were married for 50 years, until her death in 2004.

Bob was an avid golfer and a feared cribbage adversary. His favorite weekends were spent watching NASCAR, or fishing with friends and family at their home on Anderson Lake. He was a lifelong member of the V.F.W. and the Catholic Church.

Bob is survived by many who loved him. His children: Terry (Chris) of Darboy; Karen (Steve) Kalmanson of Naples, FL; Dan (Karen) of Richmond, VA; and Tammy (Jim) Ernst of North Carolina; grandchildren: Tamilee (Joseph) McDonough, Nina (Ryan) Landau, Eric Sturzebecker, Brianna (Tom Frank), Paul and Rachel DeValk, Tara and Olivia Kalmanson, Grace and Owen DeValk; great grandchildren: Ciara Aumend, Sofie DeValk, Nakio Landau and Alexandra McDonough; brothers: Don (Corrita), Lyle and Tom (Mary Ellen) DeValk; sister: Mary Pat (Thomas) Roovers; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Carol DeValk, Robert (Marge) Gosz, Clara Long, Cindy (Earl) Nienhaus and Martha Johnson. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by his infant son, Bobby; brothers: Jack (Barbara) and LeRoy DeValk; and sister and brothers-in-law: Julie DeValk, Don Long and Ken Johnson.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 13, 2016 at ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH (1810 N. McDonald St. Appleton) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Gerald Falk will officiate. Military rites conducted by the Appleton V.F.W. Post 2778 will immediately follow. Committal St. Paul Cemetery, Combined Locks.

In lieu of flowers, Bob's family is establishing a memorial for the Patriot Guard Riders to support local veterans.

The family sends a heartfelt thank you to Father Gerald Falk, Dr. Bryan Avery and Tim DeValk and Lisa Nietzer for their loving care and compassion.